title: Lymphocyte function following radium-223 therapy in patients with metastasized, castration-resistant prostate cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Therapy with the alpha-emitter radium-223 chloride (223Ra) is an innovative therapeutic option in patients with metastasized, castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, radiotherapy can lead to hematopoietic toxicity. The aim of this study was to determine if223Ra therapy induces an impairment of cellular antimicrobial immune responses.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 11 patients receiving223Ra treatment, lymphocyte proliferation and the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interferon-γ and interleukin-10) were determined, using lymphocyte transformation testing and ELISpot, respectively. Lymphocyte function after stimulation with mitogens and microbial antigens was assessed prior to therapy and at day 1, 7 and 28 after therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lymphocyte proliferation and the production of interferon-γ and interleukin-10 towards mitogens and antigens remained unchanged after therapy. Consistent with these in vitro data, we did not observe infectious complications after treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results argue against an impairment of lymphocyte function after223Ra therapy. Thus, immune responses against pathogens should remain unaffected.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Helios Kliniken, Wismarsche Straße 393-397, 19049, Schwerin, Germany.
authors.forename: Vahé
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Barsegian
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefan P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Helios Kliniken, Wismarsche Straße 393-397, 19049, Schwerin, Germany.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Möckel
authors.affiliation: Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstraße 179, 45147, Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Horn
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bockisch
authors.affiliation: Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstraße 179, 45147, Essen, Germany. monika.lindemann@uk-essen.de.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6708-4390
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lindemann
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D064129:Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / Q000276:immunology* / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011883:Radium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000071036:Sentinel Lymph Node / Q000276:immunology / Q000528:radiation effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011868:Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D007371:Interferon-gamma; C581106:radium Ra 223 dichloride; D011883:Radium
keywords: Antimicrobial immune response; Cytokine; ELISpot; Lymphocyte proliferation; Radium-223 therapy