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[Natural killer cytolytic activity in renal and prostatic cancer]
S Parra1, R Pinochet, R Vargas
1Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile.
Abstract:
Natural killer cytolytic activity, the basis of cancer immunotherapy that uses cytolytic cells, may be impaired in cancer. The aim of this work was to study in vitro the natural killer cytolytic activity and its response to the immunomodulators interleukin-2, interferon and phytohemagglutinin stimulated lymphocyte proliferation in a group of 9 patients with renal cell cancer and 6 with prostatic cancer. The results were compared with those of 20 normal volunteers. Twelve patients were operated and were studied twice 48 h and 14 days after surgery. Natural killer cytolytic activity was significantly lower in renal cell and prostatic cancer patients than controls (3.3 +/- 1.6, 4.9 +/- 2.2 and 20.6 +/- 3.7% of specific lysis respectively). This activity was not modified in cancer patients by interleukin-2 50 UI/ml or interferon 3000 UI/ml and did not differ in the two postoperative periods. Phytohemagglutinin stimulated lymphocyte proliferation was also lower in cancer patients, compared to controls (stimulation index of 18 +/- 3 and 26.5 +/- 5 respectively). It is concluded that these patients have a low immunological level and that this study is the first step towards an immunological characterization of cancer patients that are candidate to adoptive immunotherapy.
Insights
Natural killer cell activity is significantly reduced in patients with renal and prostatic cancers. Immunomodulators like interleukin-2 and interferon did not enhance this activity in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
Context:
- Natural killer (NK) cell activity is crucial for cancer immunotherapy but may be compromised in cancer patients.
- This study investigates NK cell function and lymphocyte proliferation in patients with renal cell and prostatic cancers.
Purpose:
- To assess in vitro NK cell cytolytic activity and its response to immunomodulators (interleukin-2, interferon) in cancer patients.
- To evaluate phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation in these patients.
- To compare findings with healthy controls and assess postoperative changes.
Summary:
- NK cell activity was significantly lower in renal cell (3.3%) and prostatic cancer (4.9%) patients compared to controls (20.6%).
- Interleukin-2 and interferon did not enhance NK cell activity in cancer patients.
- Phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation was also reduced in cancer patients (stimulation index 18 vs. 26.5).
Impact:
- Identifies a low immunological status in cancer patients, suggesting impaired immune surveillance.
- Provides a foundation for immunological characterization of patients suitable for adoptive immunotherapy.
- Highlights the need for further research into immune modulation strategies for cancer treatment.