Immunomodulatory changes in patients with colorectal cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Solid tumors are frequently accompanied by a depressed cellular and humoral immunity. This study analyzed changes these factors in colorectal cancer patients.


METHODS
We compared cellular (leukocytes, lymphocytes, HLA-DR expression on monocytes) and humoral immune parameters (interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha) in 40 patients with colorectal cancer and in 18 healthy controls.


RESULTS
Leukocytes were in the normal range in patients and controls. However, tumor patients showed significant lymphopenia in comparison to controls. HLA-DR antigen expression on CD14+ monocytes was reduced in the cancer patients while IL-6 and IL-10 plasma levels were increased. Patients with UICC stage III had IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations were significantly increased as well.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that colorectal tumor establishment and progression results in a malfunction of the immune system, and underline the importance of elucidating in detail the mechanisms of immune modulation in cancer patients.
Ordemann
J
J
Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, Thoracic Surgery, Charité, Medical School, Medical Faculty, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
Jacobi
C A
CA
Braumann
C
C
Schwenk
W
W
Volk
H D
HD
Müller
J M
JM
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000097:blood; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008231:Lymphopenia / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D015850:Interleukin-6; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D016753:Interleukin-10