[Studies on various parameters of the T-dependent lymphocyte system in the course of osteosarcoma].

Some parameters of the T-lymphocyte dependent system have been studied in 20 patients with osteosarcoma. The functional condition of T lymphocytes, stimulated with mitogens (PHA and Con-A) has been investigated by evaluating DNA neosynthesis by means of the incorporation of the tritiated thymidine in lymphocyte cultures. The percentage of rosette-forming T l-mphocytes with sheep erythrocytes has been assessed. The findings would indicate a constant inhibition of DNA biosynthesis in patients with osteosarcoma, only in correspondence of PHA stimulation. This finding would agree with E rosette pattern. In this case also neoplastic patients do show, in comparison with the controls, a constant drop of the number of T lymphocytes forming rosettes with sheep erythrocytes.