Abstract
Assessment of cellular immunity was performed in 41 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus to clarify factors associated with immune deficiency. Four parameters, total lymphocytes, numbers of T cell and B cell, lymphocyte blastogenesis in response to phytohemagglutinin and the purified protein derivative skin reaction were measured on admission, after preoperative radiation therapy, and 4 as well as 8 weeks after surgery. The assessment indicated that immune depression clearly existed in esophageal cancer patients on admission. Of the factors of age, dysphagia and stage of cancer, all were associated with immune depression. The effect of treatment for cancer on the immune status was also assessed. The parameters of cellular immunity were markedly depressed by surgery either with or without preoperative radiation therapy. Thus, these results indicate that treatment including surgery and radiation, dysphagia, stage of cancer and age, especially the treatment, are critical factors associated with immune deficiency in esophageal cancer patients.
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