Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function in cancer patients treated with total body hyperthermia

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Thermotherapy

Background:

• Peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are critical for innate immunity.
• Cancer patients often exhibit altered immune cell function.
• Total body hyperthermia (TBH) is an investigational cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of TBH on the ingestive and bactericidal capacity of PMN in cancer patients.
• To compare PMN function in cancer patients undergoing TBH with healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Cancer patients received TBH at 41.5°C or 42.0°C for up to 6 hours via extracorporeal blood circulation.
• In vitro studies assessed PMN bactericidal capacity at 37°C and 42°C before and after TBH.
• PMN function was evaluated in both cancer patients and healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Initially, PMN from cancer patients showed lower bactericidal capacity than controls.
• Following TBH, most cancer patients' PMN demonstrated enhanced bactericidal capacity at 37°C.
• PMN bactericidal capacity was significantly reduced at 42°C compared to 37°C in both groups.
• Repeated TBH treatments did not diminish PMN function.

Conclusions:

• TBH may transiently enhance the bactericidal capacity of peripheral blood PMN in cancer patients.
• Elevated temperatures during TBH can impair the phagocytic process of PMN.
• Further research is needed to optimize TBH protocols for immune function preservation.