Influence of Tumor Size and Surgical Resection on Cell-Mediated Immunity in Mice2

Mitogen response of peripheral blood and splenic lymphocytes and effect of 2-mercaptoethanol in tumor-bearing mice

“…Many investigators have reported that the splenic lymphocyte stimulation by mitogens declines as the tumor size increases [14,15]. In the present study we too have shown that the splenic lymphocyte response to PHA decreased during the course of tumor growth (Fig.…”

Immunotherapy of Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer

“…27 Finally, there is the biological argument, supported by older data from animal models, that the large bulk of the primary tumor is either immunosuppressive or acts as an immunological sink with a suppression of cellmediated immunity that is reversed upon removal of the primary tumor. 28,29 Human studies have shown changes in cell-mediated immunity after nephrectomy, 30 with a recent retrospective study reporting lower than expected systemic antitumor responses when the patients were treated with the primary tumor in situ (6% vs 22% to 35%). 27 In summary, a proven (albeit small) survival advantage, decreased surgical morbidity, and a theoretical biological benefit have reawakened the interest in surgery as an important part of the multidisciplinary management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.…”

Recovery of immune competence after tumour resection in mice: correlation with loss of suppressor elements

“…Tumour-specific immune responses which develop during early tumour growth decline and often disappear entirely (Deckers et al, 1973;Howell, Esber and Law, 1974;Youn, LeFrancois and Barski, 1973;Whitney, Levy and Smith, 1974). General immune responses, such as delayed hypersensitivity reactions to recall antigens and in vitro lymphocyte stimulation by mitogens and antigens, are also depressed in many cancer patients (Krant et al, 1968;Golub, O'Connell and Morton, 1974).…”