[Long-term changes in peripheral blood leukocyte and lymphocyte populations in ENT-carcinoma patients. A flow cytometric study in 346 ENT-carcinoma patients and 31 healthy controls].

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this investigation was the quantification of leukocyte/lymphocyte populations in the peripheral blood of ENT-carcinoma patients before and long after therapy. PROBANDS AND
METHOD: PBL T-lymphocytes and NK-cells were examined in 346 patients and 31 controls using flow cytometry. In 248 participants additional populations of leukocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes in toto, CD4+- and CD8+-lymphocytes, CD4+8+-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, activated T-lymphocytes, NK-cells and CD3+56+-T-lymphocytes were studied.
RESULTS: We demonstrated a long-term reduction in T-lymphocytes (CD4+-lymphocytes) in patients more than 10 years after receiving therapy, caused mainly, but not solely, by radio/chemotherapy. We also showed a long-term, significant increase in NK-cells after more than 10 years in patients following therapy without renewed carcinoma in comparison to controls, patients prior to therapy or patients with a recurrence of carcinoma.
CONCLUSIONS: Due to long-term deficits in CD4+-lymphocytes, and considering the possible protective effect of NK-cells in treated patients, an immune-supportive therapy is recommended.