Immune status in advanced upper gastrointestinal cancers

Abstract

Thirty‐eight cases of advanced upper gastrointestinal cancer were assessed for their immune status prior to any form of therapy. Cell‐mediated immunity, as tested by absolute lymphocyte count, T‐cell count and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to purified protein derivative and phytohemagglutinin showed severe depression. Immunoglobulins A and M were elevated, while immunoglobulin G reduced. No correlation could be established between the immune status and the site of cancer or its extent, the performance status of the patients, or their response to chemotherapy. Copyright © 1985 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company