T and B lymphocytes in malignant melanoma patients.

The method of formation of spontaneous (E) and immune (EAC) rosettes and the test of lymphocyte survival in short-term cultures with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) have been used as parameters of cellular immunocompetence in 64 patients with malignant melanoma and 33 control donors. Significant changes have been found in the number of T lymphocytes whose values corresponded to the clinical stage as well as to the clinical postoperational course in the patients. A decreased number of T lymphocytes was a sign of progression of the disease, while a normal value indicated remission. Lowered ratios of T lymphocytes were followed by an increased proportion of both the B lymphocytes and the null, nonrosetting cell elements. The results in patients with malignant melanoma permit the relevant parameters to be considered as an effective in vitro correlate of cellular immunity of these patients.