Immunologic correlates in patients (pts) with head and neck cancer (SCCHN) treated with interferon alpha (IFN): association between natural killer cell (NK) activity and prolonged survival (Meeting abstract).

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1994. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Proc Annu Meet Am Soc Clin Oncol; 13:A900 1994. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/94600896
Vlock D; Andersen J; Whiteside T; Herberman R; Kirkwood J; Adams G; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; 02115

Abstract: 71 pts with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN were entered onto a phase II noncomparative randomized trial of IFN at 2 dosage schedules (EST P-Z386): low dose IFN, 6 x 10(6) U/m2 daily x 3 every 4 wk or high dose IFN, 12 x 10(6) U/m2, 3x/wk (Proc ASCO, 10:205). While the overall response rates were low (3 CRs) disease stabilization was noted, suggesting an antiproliferative, non-cytotoxic role of IFN in this group of heavily pre-treated pts. Median survival of pts receiving greater than or equal to 6 wk of IFN was 10 and 12 mo for low and high dose IFN, respectively. We sought to determine if any immune parameters were associated with prolonged survival. Pretreatment levels of NK activity, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD16, CD19, CD56, DR and the CD4/CD8 ratio were evaluated. None of the parameters tested was a significant predictor of survival when evaluated in all cases entered onto study regardless of therapy duration. No difference in baseline NK activity was noted between pts who received less than or greater than or equal to 6 wk of IFN (p=0.90). Among the 35 pts who received greater than or equal to 6 wk of therapy, high baseline NK activity was a significant predictor of the duration of survival both in a univariate analysis (p=0.04) and when proportional hazards regression was adjusted for prior weight loss and chemotherapy (p=0.005), the two covariates associated with survival in the primary clinical analysis. Survival of pts with median baseline NK activity of 192 lytic units was greater than 24 mo (N=7) vs 6-12 mo for pts with median NK activity of 67 (N=13). Baseline CD4, CD8 and CD4/CD8 ratios and the differences between baseline and measurements after 1 wk of IFN were not associated with the duration of survival. We conclude that elevated baseline NK activity is associated with increased survival in pts receiving IFN for greater than or equal to 6 wk.

Keywords: Analysis of Variance Antigens, CD/BLOOD Comparative Study CD4-CD8 Ratio Head and Neck Neoplasms/BLOOD/*IMMUNOLOGY/MORTALITY/*THERAPY Human Interferon-alpha/*TOXICITY/*THERAPEUTIC USE Killer Cells, Natural/DRUG EFFECTS/*IMMUNOLOGY Survival Analysis Survival Rate ABSTRACT CLINICAL TRIAL, PHASE II CLINICAL TRIAL

940930
M9491051

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1994. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1994. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .