[Effect of cyclophosphamide on immunological responses in patients with breast cancer relating to BRM (biological...

Cyclophosphamide (CPM) is widely used in patients with breast cancer as an adjuvant chemotherapy. On the other hand, it is a well-known fact that CPM-treated animals show an increased intensity of cell-mediated immunity such as DTH (delayed-type hypersensitivity) reactions. Recently, such functions of CPM have seemed to make it note worthy as a BRM. Therefore, in 26 postoperative patients with breast cancer, the effect of CPM on various immunological responses was investigated after administration of CPM (100mg/day) for a period of 30 days. Significant decrease of lymphocyte counts, B-cell percentages, and T gamma-cell percentages were observed. However, PPD skin test showed a tendency for increased reaction. Both OKT3+ lymphocytes and OKT 11+ lymphocytes increased significantly. However, an inhibitory effect of CPM on OKT8+ lymphocytes (suppressor/cytotoxic) was not observed. From the results of this study, increased intensity of DTH reactions by CPM was interesting in relation to BRM action, and the inhibitory effect of CPM on B-cells seemed to be connected with activated cell-mediated immunity.