[Changes in lymphocyte subsets with post-operative chemotherapy in breast carcinoma--a study of using two color...

Thirty postoperative patients with breast cancer (stage I, II) were studied to clarify the changes of peripheral lymphocyte subsets by administration of anticancer drugs (UFT, cyclophosphamide (CPM]. The patients were divided into two groups: UFT (400 mg/day) group (n = 15) and CPM (100 mg/day) group (n = 15). Immunological investigation, in particular two color analysis of peripheral lymphocyte subsets, were carried out 30 days after treatment. Results from the investigation, there were no inhibitory effects on the total lymphocyte counts by UFT, whereas a promoting effect was observed on Ts (Suppressor T), and CD16+ (NK) subsets. On the other hand, CPM displayed an inhibitory tendency on the total lymphocyte counts, and also an inhibitory effect on Thi (Helper inducer T), and Tsi (Suppressor inducer T) subsets. These results suggest that the changes of lymphocyte subsets in response to above two drugs are different, which may be significant in determining treatment regimens.