title: Decreased natural killer cell activity after prolonged administration of interferon in cancer patients.
abstract: Two patients with metastatic neoplastic disease received 2-3 X 10(6) IU alpha recombinant interferon (IFN) 3 times/wk, every other week, for 3-6 mth. The natural killer (NK) activity of their peripheral blood leukocytes, was followed during the course of the treatment. A significant decrease was observed in the NK activity, which returned to normal values at the end of IFN administration. The treatment did not modify the evolution of metastasis.
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000628:therapy; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000187:drug effects; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins