PROSTAGLANDIN E(2) LEVELS AND LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS IN PORTAL VENOUS DRAINAGE OF COLORECTAL CANCERS

Local immnnosnrveillance may play an important role in the growth and spread of tumors. To investigate the local immune response, we determined prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) levels (n = 23) and lymphocyte subsets (n = 10) in the portal vein draining the tumors of patients with colorectal cancer. PGE(2) levels in the portal vein were significantly higher than those in the radial artery. Portal PGE(2) levels in patients with advanced stage tumors (Duke's C and D) and lymph node metastases were significantly higher than those of patients with Duke's A and B tumors without lymph node metastases. Moreover, four of the nine patients with portal PGE(2) levels greater than 100 pg/mL had liver metastases within 2 years of surgery. There were no differences in lymphocyte subsets between the portal vein and the radial artery. PGE(2) levels in the portal rein draining colorectal tumor may thus be closely related to tumor progression and recurrence and may serve as a predictor of tumor recurrence in patients with colorectal cancer.