Relationship between T and B lymphocyte values and prognosis in malignant melanoma

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Abstract
T [thymus-derived] and B [bone marrow-derived] lymphocyte populations were evaluated in 56 patients with malignant melanoma. Active rosettes (T-Ea) were decreased only in metastatic patients, while the total T population (T-Et) was decreased in all stages. In addition the metastatic patients presented significant decreased in Ig[immunoglobulin]D and IgM subpopulations. An increase in null cells was noted in metastatic patients. Regular controls over a period of 2 yr showed that T-Ea levels were closely linked to the clinical picture. Patients whose values were constant remained cancer free, while a reduction heralded the appearance of clinical and/or radiological signs of metastasis.