Influence of paclitaxel and carboplatin on the immune system of cancer patients during chemotherapy

Cytotoxic chemotherapy may severely affect the human immune system, and reg imens differ significantly in their immunosuppressive action. Knowledge of the effect of the newer drugs, such as taxoids, on the immune system is imp ortant in determining their role in treatment. The purpose of this study wa s to assess the effect of one of the most representative regimens, paclitax el-carboplatin, on the immune system of patients with non-small-cell lung c ancer (NSCLC) or ovarian cancer. 24 previously untreated, inoperable NSCLC and ovarian cancer patients received paclitaxel (Taxol) 200 mg/m(2) and car boplatin 300 mg/m(2) both on day 1, the cycle being repeated every 21 days up to a maximum of six cycles. T cell subsets and production of interleukin -3 (IL-3) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was measured 1 week before thera py, 1 week before the 3rd cycle and 1 month after the last (6th) cycle. The re were no statistically significant differences in T lymphocytes or their subpopulations before, during or after chemotherapy. We detected a signific ant (P < 0.05) decrease in IL-3 and IFN-gamma production by lipopolysachari de-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells one week before the 3rd cy cle. More importantly, production of these cytokines increased very signifi cantly (P < 0.01) 1 month after the end of chemotherapy. We conclude that p aclitaxel plus carboplatin may be a safe regimen, as far as immunotoxicity is concerned, since there was no deterioration in T cell measurements and a significant increase in the synthesis of IL-3 and IFN-gamma after chemothe rapy. Med Sci Res 27:227-229 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.