PERIPHERAL LYMPHOCYTES IN CARCINOMA OF THE COLON AND RECTUM

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 149  (5) , 719-721
Abstract
Changes in peripheral lymphocyte counts were reported in many different malignant conditions. Patients (202) with carcinoma of the colon and rectum were studied and the relationship between peripheral lymphocytes and stage of disease as well as sex, location of tumor and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were evaluated. A correlation was found between advancing stage of disease and lower levels of peripheral lymphocytes. An inverse relationship for carcinoembryonic antigen levels and lymphocyte values was noted for the entire group as well as for individual stages B and C. The combination of lymphocyte levels and carcinoembryonic antigen determinations might be useful as a prognostic indicator.