Abstract
Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) enhances the activity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer although the mechanism is not understood. We have investigated the effect of this combination on cellular immunity and compared this with standard therapy of 5-FU/L-leucovorin, in 24 patients with advanced colorectal cancer. This study has demonstrated an enhancement of the cellular immune response in patients given 5-FU/IFN-alpha with augmentation of natural killer (NK) cell function and abrogation of 5-FU-induced suppression of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity.
Highlights
© Macmillan Press Ltd., The effect of 5-fluorouracil and alpha interferon and 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin on cellular anti-tumour immune responses in patients with advanced colorectal cancer
We have investigated the effect of this combination on cellular immunity and compared this with standard therapy of 5-FU/L-leucovorin, in 24 patients with advanced colorectal cancer
This study has demonstrated an enhancement of the cellular immune response m patients given 5-FU/IFN-a with augmentation of natural killer (NK) cel function and abrogation of 5-FU-induced suppression of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity
Summary
Twenty-four patients were studied, 15 male and nine female. The mean ages were 58 (range 27-76) for the control group and 60 (42-78) for those receiving 5-FU with IFN-a. The. Correspondence: J.N. Primrose, University Surgical Unit, Tremona Rd, Southampton S09 4XY, UK. Received 29 November 1993; and in revised form 9 June 1994. Time interval between presentation with the primary tumour and recurrent disease averaged 16 (range 0-91 months). Performance status was assessed by means of the Karnofsky scale (Karnofsky et al, 1948), and averaged 80 with a range of 70-90. Written consent was obtained prior to study entry. The study was approved by Leeds East District Clinical Research (Ethics) Committee
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