[Clinical significance of Su-polysaccharide (Su-PS) skin test in patients with primary lung cancer treated with chemotherapy and administration of OK-432, with special reference to the therapeutic effect and prognosis]

Abstract

In order to evaluate the significance as a parameter for monitoring immunological status and for predicting therapeutic effect and prognosis, Su-PS skin test was performed in 68 cases of primary lung cancer treated with chemotherapy and administration of OK-432. In 16 of 68 cases, lymphocyte subsets of peripheral blood using Leu monoclonal antibodies were analyzed to investigate the immunological status. Su-PS skin test was performed at the time of before treatment, 1 week after administration of OK-432, 4 weeks after chemotherapy and intervals during treatment. The reactions to Su-PS skin test in these patients were divided into 3 groups according to the maximum size during the treatment as follows; less than 20 mm, 20 mm to 50 mm and over 50 mm. As compared with the reaction to Su-PS skin test and the survival, there was a significant difference between each group. The analysis of the lymphocyte subsets also indicated that immunological status tended to be activated more in strong responders to the Su-PS skin test than in weak responders. Therefore, Su-PS skin test is considered to be an useful immunological parameter of cancer patients under treatment.