Relationship between T and B lymphocyte values and prognosis in malignant melanoma

T and B lymphocyte populations were evaluated in 56 patients with malignant melanoma. Active rosettes (T-Ea) were decreased only in metastatic patients, while the total T population (T-Et) was decreased in all stages. In addition the metastatic patients presented significant decreases in IgD and IgM subpopulations. An increase in null cells was noted in metastatic patients. Regular controls over a period of 2 years showed that T-Ea levels were closely linked to the clinical picture. Patients whose values were constant remained cancer free, while a reduction heralded the appearance of clinical and/or radiological signs of metastasis.