[Quantitative and functional response of a lymphatic subpopulation during adjuvant intermittent chemo-immunotherapy...

In this study, an attempt was made to describe and evaluate in vitro immune parameters in patients with breast cancer undergoing modified radical mastectomy and adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. T and B lymphocytes and their in vitro functions were markedly reduced by intermittent combination chemotherapy with adriamycin and cyclophosphamide. Laevamisole was not found to influence immune parameters, neither when given between chemotherapy treatments nor when given after chemotherapy. Lymphocytes expressing Fc receptors and mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity were less affected and were even found to be elevated in some patients prior to initiation of therapy. Whether or not antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity plays a role in patient defense against tumors remains to be investigated.