Studies from M. Lalle et al further understanding of thymoma immunology
2009 AUG 3 - (NewsRx.com) -- Current study results from the report, 'Cellular and humoral immune alterations in thymectomized patients for thymoma,' have been published. According to recent research published in the journal Annals of Hematology, "The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of thymectomy on kinetics of the immune reconstitution in thymoma patients. Nine consecutive patients with completely resected thymoma were enrolled." "Immunophenotype analysis (total lymphocytes, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, NK subsets) and detection of autoantibodies at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after thymectomy were planned. A prolonged inversion of CD4/CD8 ratio was present, due to a diminished number of CD4+ cells; CD8+ cell numbers remaining constantly normal at different time points; CD19+ cells remained for a long time understatement, achieving almost normal levels at 24 months; and NK cells always showed a normal amount. Autoantibodies against the muscle acetylcholine receptor were detected in four patients (44.4%) at the time of diagnosis, while antinuclear antibody were detected in eight patients (88.8%) at different time points during postthymectomy. A high incidence of multiple primary neoplasms was observed (66.6% of cases). Our study showed that cellular and humoral immune alterations are a common sequelae of postthymectomy," wrote M. Lalle and colleagues, . The researchers concluded: "Further studies, a longer surveillance and a cooperative approach, due to the rarity of the disease, are necessary to define eventual implications of immune alterations on patient's outcome." Lalle and colleagues published their study in Annals of Hematology (Cellular and humoral immune alterations in thymectomized patients for thymoma. Annals of Hematology, 2009;88(9):847-53). For additional information, contact M. Lalle, UOC Oncologia Medica, Ospedale S Eugenio, Piazzale Umanesimo 10, Rome, Italy. The publisher's contact information for the journal Annals of Hematology is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA. Keywords: Italy, Rome, Thymoma Immunology, Hematology, Immunology, Surgery, Thymectomy, Thymoma. This article was prepared by Hematology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Hematology Week via NewsRx.com.
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