[Multidisciplinary therapy using interferon and immunological evaluation for glioma patients: two-color analysis of T cell subsets]

We have employed IAR therapy [combination of postirradiation, chemotherapy and interferon (IFN)] for malignant glioma patients. Changes of lymphocyte fractions in patients were evaluated before and after IAR therapy, using a recently developed two-color analysis. Eight malignant glioma patients received irradiation, chemotherapy (ACNU) and immunotherapy (OK-432 and IFN-beta). Peripheral blood lymphocytes taken during hospitalization with IAR therapy (first half and latter half), and every 3 to 6 months for 2 years at the longest after IAR therapy were double-stained with FITC- and PI-labelled antibodies and two-color analysis was conducted by a FACS Analyzer. Six patients out of 8 survived for 6 months to 2 years, 2 died after 3 and 6 months, respectively. Leu-2a (suppressor/cytotoxic T), especially Leu-2a+ 15- (cytotoxic T) showed a high value. Leu-2a level decreased during treatment, and both Leu-2a+ 15- and Leu-2a+ 15+ (suppressor T) values decreased. Two thirds of the patients showing an increased Leu-2a+ 15+ level died. Leu 3a (helper/inducer T), especially Leu-3a+ 8+ (inducer T) level decreased, but Leu-3a+ 8- (helper T) level increased during treatment. The level decreased in the worse patients. Leu-3a/Leu-2a ratio was low, but it increased during treatment as compared with the results of conventional therapy. Leu-7, Leu-11a, NK activity, and gamma-IFN productivity were further studied. Treatment combined with IFN revealed an influence on the T cells resulting in an increase of helper T level and suppression of suppressor T level.