[Pre- and postoperative NK cell number and plasma levels of TNF and PGE2 in patients with esophageal carcinoma and their clinical significance].

The number of NK cell in peripheral blood, plasma levels of TNF and PGE2 were determined in 67 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma of various stages (II, III, IV) before and after operation, in 22 postoperative follow-up patients and in 20 healthy volunteers. The findings showed a significantly decreased number of NK cells and higher levels of TNF and PGE2 in patients with cancer compared with the healthy control subjects (P < 0.01). The three parameters were found to be closely related to the TNM staging of the tumors. The number of circulating NK cells increased and the plasma TNF and PGE2 levels decreased in patients after radical operation after compared with the preoperative ones, but didn't reach the normal levels. Those who developed tumor recurrence or metastases had a fall in NK cell number and a rise in the plasma TNF and PGE2 levels compared with disease-free patients and normal controls. Moreover, the decrease of NK cell number and increase of TNF, PGE2 levels occurred 2-8 months (mean 5 months) before relapse or metastases was clinically diagnosed. Additionally, the NK cell number was found to be negatively correlated with the serum PGE2. We would conclude that determination of number of circulating NK cells and plasma TNF and PGE2 concentration is of great significance in assessing prognosis and monitoring early tumor recurrence or metastasis.