Natural killer-mediated cytotoxicity in patients with laryngeal carcinoma

Natural killer (NK)-mediated cytotoxicity against the K562 cell line was evaluated in normal subjects and in patients with laryngeal cancer. Results showed reduced lymphocyte cytotoxicity in patients with neoplastic disease and further reduction in NK activity following postoperative radiation therapy. The authors discuss the possibility of using this test in the immunological monitoring of patients with laryngeal carcinoma.