Tumour Reactive Lymphocytes in Colon Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Marits P, Karlsson M, Dahl K, Larsson P, Wanders A, Thörn M, Winqvist O
Primary Institution: Uppsala University Hospital
Hypothesis
Can sentinel node lymphocytes be used for immunotherapy in colon cancer?
Conclusion
Sentinel node lymphocytes are an enriched source of tumour reactive lymphocytes and may be useful in future immunotherapy trials.
Supporting Evidence
- Sentinel node lymphocytes proliferated dose dependently and secreted interferon-γ upon stimulation with tumour homogenate.
- Responses were weaker in metastatic sentinel nodes.
- Sentinel node lymphocytes represent a naturally expanded population of tumour reactive cells.
Takeaway
Doctors found special immune cells in the first lymph nodes that drain colon cancer, which could help treat the disease better.
Methodology
Lymphocytes from sentinel nodes were studied using flow cytometry, proliferation assays, and interferon-γ secretion after activation with autologous tumour homogenate.
Limitations
The study only included patients without distant metastases or lymph node involvement prior to surgery.
Participant Demographics
15 patients with colon cancer, average age 71, 7 men and 8 women.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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