Immune Responses in Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Ishikawa Masashi, Nishioka Masanori, Hanaki Norikazu, Miyauchi Takayuki, Kashiwagi Yutaka, Ioki Hiromi, Kagawa Akihiro, Nakamura Yoichi
Primary Institution: Tokushima Red Cross Hospital and National Kochi Hospital, Japan
Hypothesis
The study aims to estimate perioperative immune responses with respect to the Th1/Th2 balance in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Conclusion
Patients with malignancy showed an abnormal perioperative Th1/Th2 balance suggesting predominance of a type-2 immune response.
Supporting Evidence
- The preoperative Th1/Th2 ratio was significantly lower in patients with malignancy compared to controls.
- Th1/Th2 balance on postoperative day 2 was significantly decreased in patients with malignancy.
- The Th1/Th2 ratio recovered to preoperative levels on postoperative day 14.
Takeaway
This study found that cancer patients undergoing major surgery have an imbalance in their immune response, leaning more towards a type-2 response, which can make them more susceptible to infections.
Methodology
Ninety-four patients were divided into groups based on the type of surgery, and their Th1/Th2 balance was evaluated before and after surgery using intracellular cytokine staining.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of patients and the specific types of surgeries performed.
Limitations
The study does not address the long-term effects of the observed immune changes post-surgery.
Participant Demographics
The study included 55 males and 39 females with a mean age of 66 ± 11 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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