Increased monocyte phagocytosis and decreased lymphocyte mitogen reactivity in colorectal cancer patients

In the present study we have evaluated monocyte phagocytosis and T lymphocyte in vitro reactivity to mitogens in peripheral blood samples from 14 colorectal cancer patients, from 21 nonneoplastic control patients, and from 22 normal donors. Monocyte and lymphocyte functions were tested before and 1 and 6 months after surgery. Our results indicate the existence of increased monocyte phagocytosis and decreased mitogen reactivity in untreated patients with advanced tumors. These abnormal responses persisted and were even more pronounced after surgery and chemotherapy.