Effects of 5-FU and Folinic Acid on Immune Response in Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): H. Onodera, S.S. Somers, P.J. Guillou
Primary Institution: Academic Surgical Unit, St Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
Hypothesis
Does treatment with 5-FU/folinic acid enhance lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell induction in patients with colorectal cancer?
Conclusion
The treatment with 5-FU/folinic acid significantly augmented the capacity to generate LAK cells in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- LAK cell generation was significantly higher on days 14, 28, and 35 compared to pre-treatment values.
- Patients with stable or diminishing disease were alive between 6 and 14 months after treatment.
- 12 patients had progressive disease and ceased therapy after 2 months.
Takeaway
This study found that a cancer treatment called 5-FU combined with folinic acid can help the body make more immune cells that fight cancer.
Methodology
The study involved 21 patients with advanced colorectal cancer who received two cycles of 5-FU and folinic acid treatment, followed by evaluations of immune responses.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and some patients were withdrawn from therapy due to disease progression.
Participant Demographics
The participants included 8 females and 13 males with a mean age of 60.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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