Evaluation of serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and CD4, CD8 and natural killer (NK) populations during infrared pulsed laser device (IPLD) treatment.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum levels of TNF-alpha, sIL-2R and distribution of peripheral leucocyte subsets in patients with advanced neoplastic disease undergoing IPLD treatment. Fifteen cancer patients with evidence of persistent disease were further divided in two groups according to outcome at the end of the period of clinical evaluation: group 1 patients were still alive and group 2 patients had died. Our results show: (i) an increase in the initial level of TNF-alpha in both groups; (ii) a decrease in TNF-alpha levels during the follow up of group 1 patients; (iii) a significant increase in serum levels of sIL-2R in patients in group 2 compared with those in group 1; (iv) a progressive and constant increase in TNF-alpha levels in group 2; (v) a decrease in CD4+CD45RA+ subpopulation in both groups; (vi) an increase in CD25+ cells; (vii) an increase in CD4+, CD4+CD45RA+ and CD25+ cells during the follow up of group 2 patients. The data generated here form the basis for further investigations on the use of IPLD as a single agent and in combination with other biological response modifiers in cancer patients.