Prognostic significance of peripheral lymphocyte counts and carcinoembryonic antigens in colorectal carcinoma.

An association between pretreatment lymphocyte counts and 5-year prognosis was noted in colorectal cancer. Among 188 patients with 5-year follow-up significant difference in survival rates in relation to lymphocyte counts was noted: 61% for patients with counts greater than 2,000/cm, 30% for those with counts less than 1,000/cmm, and 58% for the intermediate group. Similar differences were also noted within groups with Dukes' B and C lesions and in elderly patients. Highly significant differences were noted in women. Those with Dukes' B and C lesions with counts greater than 2,000/cmm had an 81% survival rate, compared to 50% for those with lower counts X2 = 6.81 P LESS THAN 0.01. Women had significantly higher lymphocyte counts and higher survival rates than men. An inverse correlation was noted between pretreatment lymphocytes and simultaneously determined carcinoembryonic antigens. These observations indicate that lymphocyte counts may be of prognostic value in colorectal cancer when used in association with carcinoembryonic antigens.