[Effect of cyclophosphamide on immunological responses in patients with breast cancer relating to BRM (biological response modifiers)].
Cyclophosphamide (CPM) is widely used in patients with breast cancer as an adjuvant chemotherapy. On the other hand, it is a well-known fact that CPM-treated animals show an increased intensity of cell-mediated immunity such as DTH (delayed-type hypersensitivity) reactions. Recently, such functions of CPM have seemed to make it note worthy as a BRM. Therefore, in 26 postoperative patients with breast cancer, the effect of CPM on various immunological responses was investigated after administration of CPM (100mg/day) for a period of 30 days. Significant decrease of lymphocyte counts, B-cell percentages, and T gamma-cell percentages were observed. However, PPD skin test showed a tendency for increased reaction. Both OKT3+ lymphocytes and OKT 11+ lymphocytes increased significantly. However, an inhibitory effect of CPM on OKT8+ lymphocytes (suppressor/cytotoxic) was not observed. From the results of this study, increased intensity of DTH reactions by CPM was interesting in relation to BRM action, and the inhibitory effect of CPM on B-cells seemed to be connected with activated cell-mediated immunity.
D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects
D003520:Cyclophosphamide