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Published on: March 30, 2018
Immune function of successfully treated lymphoma patients
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|June 1, 1976
Summary
Successfully treated lymphoma patients show impaired immune responses, particularly in handling new antigens and lymphocyte function, potentially increasing infection and secondary cancer risks.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Patients with Hodgkin's disease and lymphocytic lymphoma undergo treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
- Long-term immune function post-treatment is crucial for patient outcomes and risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunologic function in patients successfully treated for lymphoma.
- To identify specific immune impairments that may contribute to increased risks of infection and secondary malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Assessed immune function in 17 lymphoma patients 3-42 months post-treatment.
- Utilized skin tests for recall antigens and neoantigens (dinitrochlorobenzene, keyhole limpet hemocyanin).
- Quantified lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulins, and monocyte functions; assessed lymphocyte proliferation responses to mitogens and antigens.
Main Results:
- 88% of patients showed impaired response to neoantigens.
- Monocyte candidacidal activity was depressed in patients receiving combined chemotherapy and radiation.
- Lymphocyte proliferation responses to mitogens (phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed, concanavalin-A) were significantly suppressed, especially after combined therapy.
Conclusions:
- Successfully treated lymphoma patients exhibit specific impairments in neoantigen processing and lymphocyte function.
- Monocyte function may also be affected, particularly after combined modality treatment.
- These immune deficits may underlie the elevated risk of infections and secondary cancers in lymphoma survivors.
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