Thymosin-induced increase in E-rosette-forming capacity of lymphocytes in patients with malignant neoplasms

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Abstract
Thymosin, a thymic hormone, restores decreased cellular immunity under various experimental conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of thymosin on the E‐rosette‐forming capacity in cancer patients. Peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from eight patients with various malignant neoplasms were examined. One of these patients received thymosin intramuscularly; his E‐rosette formation was examined serially. Eight normal adults served as controls. Patients with advanced stages of malignant tumors showed decreased E‐rosette‐forming capacity, which increased significantly under the influence of thymosin. Patients with less‐advanced tumors, as well as normal adults, demonstrated normal E‐rosette formation without further effects by thymosin. The in vivo administration of thymosin to one patient was followed by a marked increase of the E‐rosette‐forming capacity. These results suggest that the administration of thymosin, both in vivo and in vitro, significantly increases the circulating T‐lymphocyte levels and/or functions in patients with advanced malignant neoplasms.