| Abstract: | Changes in DNA synthesis, lymphocyte subsets and various killer activities in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after IL-2 incubation were studied to analyze the influence of IL-2 on the antitumor effector mechanisms in cervical cancer patients. The results were as follows. DNA synthesis was advanced. Decrease in the OKT4/OKT8 ratio and diminished decrease in Leu7 were observed. NK activity was significantly lower than that in the control. LAK activity was almost equal to that in the control. Both activities and the killer action on autologous tumor significantly rose after IL-2 incubation. After operation, NK activity tended to be reduced for one or two weeks, but returned to the normal range by the 4th week in almost all cases. LAK activity was nearly within the normal range. Both activities after IL-2 incubation were at the same levels as before operation. A tendency to a fall in NK and LAK activities was observed under radiation therapy. Both activities after IL-2 incubation were lower than those before radiation therapy. These results suggest that IL-2 may be applied as an adjuvant immunotherapy following surgical operation and, though more difficulties are anticipated, applied to radiation therapy of cervical cancer. |
