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The immunologic phenotype of lymphocytes of young and middle-aged patients with breast cancer was identified using ICO monoclonal antibodies. The parameters were compared to that of healthy subjects of the corresponding age groups. Breast cancer patients of both age groups were shown to have lower T-cell level as compared to donors. Parameters of T-cell-mediated immunity did not differ significantly between the young and middle-aged patients, although the former group tended to have lower level of mature T-lymphocytes. A significant decrease in parameters of B-cell-mediated immunity was observed in young patients as compared to donors whereas in middle-aged patients B-lymphocyte and monocyte levels were 4 times those in donors. B-lymphocyte level in young patients tended to be lower than in middle-aged ones.

Blood serum levels of sex steroid-binding globulin (SSBG), free and SSBG- and albumin-binding fractions of estradiol-17 beta as well as some indexes of cellular and humoral immunity were compared in 25 young female patients with stage 1-3 breast cancer and controls. No significant difference in SSBG and free estradiol-17 beta fraction as well as free estrogen index was established between patients and controls. In the patient group, a direct correlation was established between free estradiol-17 beta fraction level and that of mature T-cells expressing CD3 antigen and between SSBG level, on the one hand, and total level of T-cells (CD7 antigen) and that of T-suppressors (CD8 antigen-containing cytotoxic lymphocytes), on the other. An inverse correlation was established in the same group between SSBG level and that of B-cell markers expressing CD3 and 7 antigens and IgM mu-chain. In the follicular and lutein phases of the menstrual cycle, a difference in the degree of correlation between total estradiol-17 beta level and immunologic indexes was established between breast cancer patients and controls.

A method of autolymphochemotherapy was developed based on administration of a "therapeutic" course of chemotherapy following cytotoxic treatment of a large amount (1.5-2 l) of central lymph obtained by external drainage of the thoracic duct. Immediate results of treatment of 15 patients with advanced breast, lung (non-small-cell) and ovarian cancer with various degree of chemoresistance are presented. Marked response was observed in 14 cases. It seems justified to use the method for the treatment of locally advanced cancer.

A Mab set was used to study immunological phenotype of lymphocytes of five patients bearing stage IV malignant melanoma and its changes developing in the course of interleukin-2 (Euro cetus) immunotherapy. Patients were shown to have lowered counts of T cells (mainly due to T-helper/inducers), B cells and lymphocytes expressing adhesion and activation molecules as well as abnormal immunoregulatory cell ratio. Two patients receiving interleukin-2 achieved a response. Follow-up of antigen expression revealed a rise in natural killer and immunoregulatory T lymphocyte levels in the responders whereas activation antigens and B cell levels were increased in all the patients.

Experimental cryodestruction of the pancreas performed in 40 dogs served as a basis for selecting the temperature regimen, exposure time and extent of treatment to be subsequently used in man. Cryodestruction and combined cryoradiotherapy were employed in 30 patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The procedure proved effective as it assured alleviation of pain, improvement in performance status and an increase in survival. CA-19-9 level and T-lymphocyte count were followed. These markers may be used to predict progression of pancreatic cancer.

The paper deals with the analysis of the phenotype of blastic cells obtained from patients suffering various subtypes (FAB-classification) of acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia. The study used monoclonal IKO-GM-1 antibodies complementary to an antigen common to myeloid and macrophagal cells. Also, previously described monoclonal IKO-11, IKO-1, IKO-02 and IKO-10 antibodies were employed. Application of the above antibodies appeared to provide information necessary for differentiating between myeloblastic and monoblastic leukemia. Complex immunologic and cytochemical investigations are required for identifying leukemia subtypes.