In vivo and in vitro cell-mediated immune reactions to auto-chthonous tumor extracts in patients with gastric cancer.

Abstract

Sixty patients with advanced gastric cancer were subjected to the macrophage electrophoretic mobility test and delayed hypersensitivity skin test to tumor and normal tissue (gastric mucosa) extracts. Tumor extract induced significant inhibition of macrophage mobility in 51% and positive skin reaction in 32% of examined cases. Close correlation was observed between macrophage inhibition and diameter of skin reaction to tumor extract. Incidence of positive reaction in both tests to normal tissue extract was 55% and 12%, respectively. Significant inhibition of macrophage to tumor extract was also observed in breast cancer, but not in superficial gastric cancer and healthy persons. Normal tissue extract did not induce significant inhibition of macrophage in gastric ulcer. These results suggest that macrophage electrophoretic mobility test indicates a certain aspect of tumor-associated (but not tumor-specific) immunity in cancer patients. Macrophage inhibition appeared to be related with macroscopic tumor types rather than to clinical stages. Positive skin reaction to tumor extract was observed in Stages II, III, and IV of gastric cancer.