Immunological deficiency and the risk of cancer

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in immunosuppressed women after renal transplantation

All 26 immunosuppressed renal transplant females attending the Renal Unit at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow were screened by cervical cytology and colposcopy for evidence of cervical neoplasia. Five patients (19.2%) were discovered to have cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, confirming the expected increase in this 'at risk' group. Regular cervical screening in these immunosuppressed women is recommended strongly.

Immune dysfunction in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Immune dysfunction seems to be more common in lymphoproliferative disorders wherein the malignant cells originate from the immune system itself. The reaction of Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and six recall antigens were found to be diminished in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas as compared to control subjects (P less than 0.005). The skin reactivity was lost in increasing order in well differentiated, poorly differentiated, and histiocytic types. The depression in delayed hypersensitivity was greater with generalized as compared to localized disease. In angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AIL), skin tests also showed negative response in 7 of 8 patients. This T-cell dysfunction in a preneoplastic condition (AIL) suggests early appearance of immunodeficiency and probably a prerequisite for the development of a lymphoma. The serum immunoglobulin levels failed to show any relation with respect to histology or extent of disease. Presumably, the alteration of IgG is secondary to a malignancy.