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The effect of ranitidine on cellular immunity in patients with multiple myeloma
H J Nielsen1, H Nielsen, F Moesgaard
1Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Denmark.
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma is characterized by an increased susceptibility to infections and to other malignancies. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study the potential impact of immunomodulation by ranitidine was studied in 20 patients with multiple myeloma. Three patients were untreated, while 17 after previous cytotoxic therapy were in a stable phase of their disease. All were without clinical signs of infections and at that time had not been treated with other immunomodulating agents. The patients were randomized to oral ranitidine 300 mg twice a day for 21 days or placebo, and several immunological parameters related to multiple myeloma were studied. The blood monocyte chemotactic response was improved in patients treated with ranitidine, and superoxide anion production increased from 2.02 nmol/min to 3.86 nmol/min (median values), while it was unchanged in patients given placebo (2.19-2.25 nmol/min) (P less than 0.005 between groups). Among ranitidine-treated patients spontaneous NK cell activity was unchanged, while in vitro interleukin-2- and interferon-alpha-stimulated NK cell activity decreased (P less than 0.03, respectively). As production of oxygen radicals constitutes an important mechanism of monocyte killing activity against microorganisms and probably against malignant cells, it is suggested that ranitidine may be of beneficial impact in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Insights
Ranitidine improved monocyte function in multiple myeloma patients, enhancing their ability to fight infections and potentially cancer. This study suggests ranitidine may benefit multiple myeloma treatment by boosting immune cell activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma patients exhibit heightened susceptibility to infections and secondary malignancies.
- Immunomodulation is a potential therapeutic strategy for managing multiple myeloma complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of ranitidine in patients with multiple myeloma.
- To assess ranitidine's impact on key immunological parameters relevant to multiple myeloma.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 20 multiple myeloma patients.
- Randomized administration of oral ranitidine (300 mg twice daily for 21 days) or placebo.
- Evaluation of immunological parameters including monocyte chemotaxis and natural killer (NK) cell activity.
Main Results:
- Ranitidine significantly improved blood monocyte chemotactic response.
- Superoxide anion production by monocytes increased significantly in the ranitidine group (median 3.86 nmol/min vs. 2.25 nmol/min).
- While spontaneous NK cell activity remained unchanged, stimulated NK cell activity decreased with ranitidine treatment.
Conclusions:
- Ranitidine demonstrates beneficial immunomodulatory effects in multiple myeloma, particularly enhancing monocyte function.
- Increased superoxide anion production by monocytes suggests an improved capacity for combating microorganisms and potentially malignant cells.
- Ranitidine may offer a beneficial impact in the therapeutic management of multiple myeloma.