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Cimetidine preserves non-specific immune function after colonic resection for cancer
W J Adams1, D L Morris, W B Ross
1Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Cimetidine treatment prevented significant immune suppression following colorectal cancer surgery. This study found cimetidine preserves lymphocyte proliferation and cell-mediated immunity post-operation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer surgery can lead to significant immunosuppression.
- Postoperative immune dysfunction may increase the risk of complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of cimetidine on immune function after colorectal cancer resection.
- To determine if cimetidine can mitigate surgery-induced immunosuppression.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 50 patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection.
- Administration of cimetidine pre- and post-operatively versus a control group.
- Assessment of immune function using in vitro lymphocyte proliferation (LP), cell-mediated immunity (CMI) skin tests, and lymphocyte subset analysis.
Main Results:
- Control patients showed a significant decline in LP (to 41%) and CMI (to 29%) post-surgery.
- Cimetidine-treated patients experienced no significant reduction in LP or CMI.
- While T and NK cell counts decreased in both groups, B cell numbers were maintained with cimetidine.
Conclusions:
- Cimetidine effectively reduces the immunosuppression associated with colorectal resection.
- Cimetidine may help preserve key immune parameters during the perioperative period.