[Changes of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in patients with oral squamous carcinoma]

The distribution of peripheral lymphocyte subsets of 32 patients, who had undergone surgical removal of squamous carcinoma and have evaded recurrence was studied using OK series monoclonal antibodies. The T-lymphocyte subpopulation was reduced in patients who were tumor free for more than 3 years. The helper/inducer T-cell subpopulation was reduced in most of the patients studied, whereas little change was observed in the subpopulation of suppressor/cytotoxic T cells. Consequently the ratio of OKT 4+/OKT 8+ was reduced in accordance with the tumor free period.