Related Experiment Videos
Increased circulating activated T-cells in lung cancer
Chest
|May 1, 1986
Summary
Patients with untreated primary lung cancer show elevated levels of T-cell activation (Tac) antigens on peripheral blood lymphocytes. This suggests active T-cell immune responses against cancer, though their overall effect remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- T-cell activation (Tac) antigens are associated with interleukin 2 (IL 2) receptors.
- Tac antigens are expressed on activated human T-lymphocytes.
- A small percentage of normal peripheral T-cells express Tac antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Tac antigen expression in patients with primary lung cancer.
- To determine if Tac antigen levels differ between lung cancer patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Monoclonal anti-Tac antibody was used for assessment.
- Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 67 lung cancer patients and 30 healthy controls were analyzed.
- Tac antigen-positive (Tac+) cell percentages were quantified.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher mean percentage of Tac+ cells was observed in lung cancer patients (13.1% +/- 6.4%) compared to controls (4.3% +/- 1.9%) (p < 0.001).
- No significant differences in Tac+ cell levels were found across different lung cancer cell types (adenocarcinoma, squamous, small cell carcinoma) or disease stages.
Conclusions:
- Elevated Tac+ cells in lung cancer patients suggest operative T-cell-mediated immune mechanisms against cancer.
- The clinical impact of these activated T-cells (favorable or unfavorable) in lung cancer patients requires further investigation.