T cell subsets and soluble immune response suppressor (SIRS) factor in skin squamous cell carcinoma.

T cell subsets (theophylline-sensitive T lymphocytes and T gamma lymphocytes), and the activity of soluble immune response suppressor (SIRS) factor have been investigated in a total of 53 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin. Eight of these had metastatic regional lymph nodes. The results showed decreased values for theophylline-sensitive T lymphocytes and elevated values for T gamma cells. Suppressor function evaluated by means of SIRS factor was normal in 36 patients with non-metastatic skin SCC and decreased in 8 with metastatic skin cancer.