[Quantitative changes of T-lymphocyte subpopulations in inoperable patients undergoing Co60 irradiation in the neck and mediastinal area].

Several parameters of red and white blood components were determined in twelve patients submitted to Co60 irradiations for inoperable tumors in the area of neck and interpleural space. Some statistically significant, dose-dependent modifications were found for leucocytes, thrombocytes and lymphocytes. A considerable radiogenic reduction was demonstrated especially for helper cells, suppressor cells and natural killer cells. A different radiosensitivity could not be proved for these lymphocyte subpopulations. A possible influence of disease-specific endogenous as well as exogenous factors was discussed.