Influence of different cytotoxic drugs on T and B lymphocytes in children with all during remission maintenance therapy.
The influence of four different cytotoxic drugs (MTX, CYC, 6MP, and ARA-C) on T, B, and O-lymphocytes was investigated in 20 children with ALL in complete remission during cyclic remission maintenance therapy. Each of the four drugs causes a marked reduction of the absolute number of T and B cells whereas the relative number lies within the normal range with the exception of CYC, which leads to a depression of the percentage of both T and B cells. The percentage of O cells is markedly increased by CYC and slightly increased by MTX, 6MP, and ARA-C. The data are interpreted with care since the function of the immune system and especially tumor rejection depends on the interaction between the different lymphocyte subpopulations.
D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000494:pharmacology; D003561:Cytarabine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D015122:Mercaptopurine / Q000494:pharmacology; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000494:pharmacology; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003561:Cytarabine; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D015122:Mercaptopurine; D008727:Methotrexate