DYNAMICS OF SPONTANEOUS-RECOVERY FROM RADIOTHERAPY-INDUCED CELLULAR IMMUNODEPRESSION IN CERVICAL-CANCER PATIENTS - A 3-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

The dynamics of recovery from immunodepressive effects of radiotherapy (RT) on various immunocompetent cells were studied in 73 patients wit h cervical cancer for three years after completing therapy. Several ce llular immunity parameters (the number of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes in peripheral blood, as well as some of th eir effector functions - the lymphoproliferative response and migratio n inhibition to phytohemagglutinin, and phagocyting activity of monocy tes) were studied at regular six-month post-RT intervals for three yea rs. These general immunocompetence parameters, which were significantl y altered even before any therapy, where further deteriorated by RT. T he most affected were T cells, which have slowly and gradually, but in sufficiently, recovered during monitoring. B cells, which were unaffec ted by RT itself, gradually increased to reach the normal range at the end of follow-up. The RT-caused sharp increase of both number and pha gocyting capacity of monocytes disappeared six months after RT, and re ached pre-treatment levels 12-18 months after completing therapy. Ther efore, our results show that immunocompetent cells greatly differ in t heir radiosensitivity and recovery period; three years after pelvic ir radiation, a certain degree of T-cell defects is still evident.