T-cell subpopulations in head and neck carcinoma.

Peripheral blood T-cell subpopulations were quantitated with monoclonal antibodies in a group of 27 patients with biopsy-proved squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Abnormal quantitative relationships between helper/inducer T cells (Th) and suppressor/cytotoxic T cells (Ts) were encountered in many patients. Short-term follow-up of these patients did not demonstrate a correlation between these immune parameters and clinical course. Longer follow-up and expansion of the data base will be necessary before a determination can be made of the value of quantitative T-cell subpopulation analysis relative to its use as a prognostic indicator in patients with head and neck cancer.