Inhibition of Leukocyte Migration by Human Tumors

Abstract

Survival was determined in 41 patients whose tumors contained varying amounts of substances that inhibited leukocyte migration in vitro. Twenty-two of 28 patients whose tumors inhibited leukocyte migration less than 25% lived at least 24 months following diagnosis. Only three of 13 patients whose tumors inhibited leukocyte migration 25% or more survived for a similar period. Since tumor preparations inhibit migration of both autogenous and allogeneic leukocytes, the possibility of nonimmunologic mediation was considered. Leukocyte migration was inhibited by substances known to increase adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate. Production of such substances could be the mechanism by which tumor preparations inhibit leukocyte migration.