[Active specific immunotherapy in patients with lung cancer following tumor removal]

Total levels of lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes as well as concentrations of their theophylline-sensitive and theophylline-resistant fractions were measured in 63 lung cancer patients, 5 cases of benign pulmonary tumors and 16 healthy controls. A significant decrease in T-lymphocyte and theophylline-resistant lymphocyte levels was registered in lung cancer patients. Forty-six radically-operated patients received 3 subcutaneous injections of an autologous tumor cell vaccine. The procedure was free of complications. It was followed by an improvement in cell-mediated immunity and produced a higher 2-year survival rate.