[Effect of human recombinant-gamma interferon on the immune function of peripheral blood lymphocytes in cancer...

We administered recombinant gamma-interferon (ReIFN-gamma) daily to 7 cancer patients, and the effect on the immune function of peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied. Following the administration of ReIFN-gamma, no characteristic changes were observed in leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, OKT4/OKT8 or Leu 7. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity was augmented in all cases from the first week of administration and retained a high level of activity during the period of treatment. In contrast, the blastogenesis of PBL with PHA decreased from the first week. Suppressor cell activity was augmented from the first week and maintained throughout this period. As to clinical effect, two patients who had metastatic liver tumors showed a response to the administration of ReIFN-gamma.