Clinical and immunological study of patients of cancer cervix

Abstract

A detailed clinico-pathologic and immunologic study was carried out on 60 patients with cancer of the cervix and compared with normal controls (20) and cases of chronic cervicitis and erosion (20). Sensitivity to 2:4 dinitrochlorobenzene was 100% in both the control groups. Sensitivity to PPD and candida antigen was 80% in healthy controls and 85% in patients with chronic cervicitis. Cell-mediated immune response in cases of cancer of the cervix to 2:4 DNCB was 84% and to recall antigens was 57.9%. Reactivity to recall antigens of 2:4 DNCB was not much impaired in stages I and II but there was a progressive decrease in positive response and an increase in anergy in stages III and IV. There was a significant rise in the levels of serum IgG in cancer of the cervix, and this rise was parallel with the advancing stages of the disease. The IgA and IgM levels showed no significant change.