Reduced natural killer cell activity in non-hodgkin's lymphoma

Natural Killer (NK) activity is investigated in 20 patients with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and in 20 healthy subjects. Peripheral blood lymphocytes are used as effector cells, and 51Cr labelled K562 myeloid cells as targets. Experiments are carried out either at effector/target ratio of 20:1 or 40:1, in 4 hrs Cr released assay. As compared to controls, a reduced NK activity is found in NHL patients, but that difference is statistically significant only for the patients in active disease. Thus, patients in clinical remission display a better preservation of NK function. It is suggested that the study of NK function might offer a helpful tool in following the clinical course and the efficacy of therapy in NHL.