IN VIVO EFFECTS OF BIOLOGICAL RESPONSE MODIFIERS AND CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS ON NK ACTIVITY IN CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter examines in vivo effects of biological response modifiers and chemotherapeutic agents on natural killer (NK) activity in cancer patients. The study described in the chapter investigated the possibility that NK cell activity may be of value as an effective screening test for new drugs and for a precise evaluation of the immune status of the cancer patient. In vivo testing was evaluated in immunodeficient, advanced solid tumor patients. Blood samples were drawn on the morning of the first day and on the day following cessation of treatment. Patients were tested for NK activity. NK activity was measured by a chromium 51 assay. K562 target cells were marked with chromium-51 and placed in the wells of a linbro round-bottom microtest plate with different concentrations of human lymphocytes, which were separated from peripheral blood by the Boyum technique using Ficol–Metrizoate (Pharmacia) at 1.077 g/cm3. The cells were incubated for 4 h at 37°C in a humid CO2 incubator. Results demonstrated that there was a strong increase in NK activity in patients treated by human fibroblastic interferon, bestatin or cis-platinum. Only a slight increase was noted for immunodeficient patients treated by retinoic acid RO 109359.