T-CELL MARKERS IN BREAST-CANCER PATIENTS AT DIAGNOSIS

The number of circulating lymphocytes, the percentage and number of active (TEa) and total (TEt) rosette-forming cells, and the percentage of rosettes formed between patients' T cells and cells of the B-lymphoblastoid cell line PGLC-33H (PGLC-R) were determined 2-4 weeks after diagnosis in 68 patients with breast cancer. Significant lymphopenia was found in stages III and IV. The percentage of TEt was decreased in stage IV only. The percentage of TEa, in contrast, was at least 1 SD above the mean control value in 66% of stage I patients, and the percentages of patients with absolute numbers of TEa in the peripheral blood 1 SD or more below the normal range (688 ± 159/mm3) were 25% in stage I, 47% in stage II, 73% in stage III, and 84% in stage IV. These data show a suggestive parallel with previously reported rates of relapses for stages I-IV and indicate that high levels of TEa may be associated with a better prognosis. PGLC-R were also decreased in stages I-IV compared with controls, with greater decreases corresponding to more advanced stages of the disease. Incubation of patients' serum with normal lymphocytes induced a small decrease in TEt but did not affect TEa or PGLC-R. The prognostic significance of TEa levels and the value of T-cell markers studies for the optimal use of immunotherapy are discussed. © 1979.