[Cell-mediated immune function in NPC patients treated with cimetidine]

Cimetidine (CMD), an H2 receptor antagonist, was used in combination with radiation for the treatment of patirnts with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). In patients treated with radiotherapy alone, there was an increase in the number of CD4+ T cells and in NK cell activity. In patients received combined treatment of radiation and CMD, in addition, there was a decrease in CD8+ T cells with an increase in CD4/CD8 ratio and an increase in IL-2 production. The NK cell activity was also stronger in the latter group. The results suggest that CMD helps restore cell-mediated immunity in NPC patients radiation treated.