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Consideration on diminished immunologic defences in the elderly neoplastic subject
D Venarucci1, A Vallese, P Catalini
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Institute INRCA, Fermo, Italy.
Panminerva Medica
|September 1, 1993
Summary
This study shows an immunomodulator improved immune defenses in elderly cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It increased lymphocytes, T4/T8 ratio, and NK cells, while reducing urinary infections.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Elderly cancer patients often experience immunosuppression.
- Chemotherapy can exacerbate immune deficiencies.
- Associated infections are a significant concern in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify parameters for assessing immunosuppression in elderly cancer patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of an immunomodulator in improving immune status during chemotherapy.
- To assess the impact on associated infective diseases, specifically urinary infections.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up of 27 elderly neoplastic patients over four months of chemotherapy.
- Administration of an immunomodulator concurrently with chemotherapy.
- Assessment of immune defenses via total lymphocyte count, T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio, and Natural Killer (NK) cell levels.
- Urinoculture analysis to detect urinary tract infections.
Main Results:
- 42.3% of patients showed increased immune defenses.
- Significant increases observed in total lymphocytes, T4/T8 ratio, and NK cells.
- Improved performance status noted, with reduced incidence or improved management of urinary infections.
Conclusions:
- An immunomodulator can effectively enhance immune defenses in elderly cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Monitoring lymphocyte subsets and NK cells can identify improvements in immune status.
- This approach may lead to better management of infections and improved patient performance status.