Immunocompetent for immunotherapy? A study of the immunocompetence of cervical cancer patients

Abstract

Sixty‐five patients with cervical carcinoma and 17 control subjects were studied to determine immunocompetence as a prerequisite for immunotherapy using live virus vectors. T‐cell immunity, measured by surface phenotype and proliferative assays, was reduced with increasing volume of invasive disease, and independent of treatment effects. Both the CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ subsets were affected so that the CD4:8 ratio remained within normal limits. In contrast B‐cell number, immunoglobulins and complement were normal as were in vivo responses to a polysaccharide vaccine. Thus, determination of immunocompetence prior to use of live vector immunotherapy requires assessment of each individual subject, especially in those with advanced disease.