Influence of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Thymosin-Alpha1 on the Humoral and Cellular Immunity of Patients with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of recombinant hybrid protein of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-thymosin-alpha1 (TNF-T) on B-cell component of the immune system of patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Methods Eligibility criteria included LABC of IIB-IIIB stages, ECOG ≤ 1, adequate liver, kidney and bone marrow function, no brain metastases. TNF-T 200000 IU was injected locally around the tumor on D1-5 (30 min before cytostatics injection), combined with standard FAC or PA regimens. Results 56 women were recruited between April 2012 and October 2013 (mean age 53.3 ± 1.1 years). Group A (25 pts) received TNF-T combined with PA (17) and FAC (8) up to 4 courses. Group B (31pts) received standard PA (21) and FAC (10) up to 6 courses. Immune status in both groups of patients was assessed before the treatment and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT). The study showed that levels of T-lymphocytes and CD3 + CD4+ cells did not differ significantly neither in comparison of groups A and B nor in the course of treatment. Quantity of CD3 + CD8+ cells in group A (PA) was significantly higher than in group B (PA) (31.5 ± 2.8% and 21.7 ± 2.25%, respectively, p Conclusions The proposed method of the local application of recombinant hybrid protein of TNF-T has a mainly immunostimulant effect on B-cell component of the immune system. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.