Immune function in patients with ovarian carcinoma treated with irradiation or with cytostatics.

The immunocompetence of 25 patients with ovarian cancer was followed up during and after radiation or chemotherapy, by using the number of lymphocytes, E-rosette-forming cells, and mitogen responses as parameters. In comparison with chemotherapy, the irradiation caused a profound and permanent immunosuppression. In patients treated with chemotherapy, the number of E-rosette-forming cells and the mitogen responses were fewer in the patients who developed recurrence or dissemination.