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Alterations in circulating lymphocyte number and function after circulation through colorectal carcinomas
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Brian Shenton, Dr Ian Brotherick, Robert Taylor, Professor Thomas Lennard
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Thirty-six patients undergoing curative resection for colorectal cancer were studied to determine the effect of the tumor on lymphocytes circulating through it. In the venous blood draining the tumor, there was an increased percentage of natural killer (NK) cells (p = 0.001), no difference in overall NK cell function, and decreased T-lymphocyte activation (p = 0.035) and proliferation (p = 0.002) compared with the lymphocytes in the arterial blood supplying the tumor. There were no significant differences in the control group of 16 patients. Local effects of colorectal cancer may include the ability to down-regulate T and NK cell function while increasing the number of NK cells. Means of enhancing antitumor activity therapeutically in an adjuvant setting, possibly through the portal vein during surgery, need to be considered, especially in the light of the immunosuppressive effects of surgery.
Author(s): Rigg KM, Shenton BK, Brotherick I, Taylor RMR, Lennard TWJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Surgery
Year: 1991
Volume: 109
Issue: 6
Pages: 747-755
Print publication date: 01/06/1991
ISSN (print): 0039-6060
ISSN (electronic): 1532-7361
