Immune proteins and other biochemical constituents of peripheral lymph in patients with malignancy and postirradiation lymphedema.

Concentration of immunoglobulins and complement proteins were studied in a group of 33 patients with localized tumors and lymphoproliferative disorders. Generally, low levels have been found, in many cases below the lowest limit of the control group. The reductions in concentration were more pronounced in patients with lympho-proliferative disorders than with solid tumors. The most reduced were IgM, C1g and total complement hemolytic activity. In a group of 8 patients with lymphedema of lower extremity complicating therapy for uterine cancer an increase of IgM and IgA and decrease in hemolytic activity were found. This indicates to the existence of a chronic inflammatory process, typical for tissues deprived lymphatic outflow.