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Abstract
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers
(Ca) are a global health problem leading to high
mortality around the world. Human organism
presents a perfect defense against cancers by
immune system. In this study, we aimed to
evaluate the characteristics of the humoral and
cellular immune systems in GI Ca patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cellular and
humoral immune parameters (CD3, CD4, CD8,
CD16/CD56 and CD19 lymphocytes) were
investigated in the peripheral blood of advanced 198 GI and hepatocellular cancer (HCC)
patients by flow cytometry.
RESULTS: CD8 lymphocyte levels were
significantly increased in pancreatic and
colorectal Ca groups (p< 0.05) and natural killer
(CD16/CD56) lymphocytes were also
significantly higher in gastric Ca, colorectal Ca
and HCC patients compared to the controls (p<
0.01-0.05). Besides, CD19 lymphocytes were
significantly lower in the pancreatic and
colorectal Ca groups (p<0.01-0.05). CD3 and
CD4 lymphocyte levels were not significantly
different in all cancer groups.
CONCLUSİON: Cellular immunity did not
weaken, even activated in the course of
gastrointestinal carcinogenesis but, this
activation seems insufficient in the fight against
GI cancers. Also, we observed severe decline of
humoral immunity parameters associated with
the progress of carcinogenesis. Strengthening
humoral immune system must be considered in
the future strategy of the cancer immunotherapy.