Lymphocyte subsets in patients with lung cancer treated with thiophosphoric acid alkaloid derivatives from Chelidonium majus L. (Ukrain).

Lymphocyte subsets were evaluated in nine men (aged 42-68 years, mean 57 years) with histologically proven lung cancer, previously untreated. Lymphocyte subpopulations were quantified by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies against total T-cells, T-helper and T-suppressor cells. In addition, the percentage of NK cells and the helper/suppressor (H/S) ratio were evaluated. The number of B-cells was determined by surface immunoglobulin immunofluorescence. Chelidonium majus L. (preparation Ukrain) was applied as an intravenous injection every three days. One course consisted of 10 applications of 10 mg each. All immunological tests were performed before and after drug administration. The treatment was generally well tolerated. The results showed an increase in the proportion of total T-cells, and a significant decrease in the percentage of T-suppressor cells. The normalization of the H/S ratio was also noted. However, there were no signs of activation of NK, T-helper and B-cells. The restoration of cellular immunity was accompanied by an improvement in the clinical course of the disease. This effect was particularly pronounced in patients who responded to further chemotherapy. Objective tumour regression (CR+PR) was seen in 44.4% of treated patients. Four out of nine patients (44.4%) died of progressive disease during the course of this study. It is concluded that Ukrain can be immunologically effective in lung cancer patients and can improve human cellular response.