Assay of the cell-mediated immunity in patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases

The depression of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was determined in patients with ovarian and breast carcinomas by lymphokine production under Con-A-stimulation (migration inhibitory factor), T-lymphocyte-transformation test under PHA-stimulation and with a skin reactivity test with a viscum album extract (Plenosol, Dr. Madaus, Cologne, FRG). The results show a good correlation between the different types of CMI function tests. The cytostatics have a depressive effect on CMI more through a cumulative effect than through the actual concentration. Some of the patients with chronic rheumatism who were not treated were anergic, and that also had an influence on the therapy.