Alvolar lymphocytes (AL) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Data from tumor-affected lobe

Introduction: The mechanisms of local immune suppression in NSCLC, including alterations in AL function, proliferation and apoptosis have not been fully explored. Aim: To evaluate AL cell cycle and cytotoxic properties of AL obtained from patients diagnosed with NSCLC. Methods: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) harvested from stage I-IIa NSCLC patients (squamous cell carcinoma, n=6 and adenocarcinoma, n=10) was analyzed for AL phenotype, incl. cytotoxicity markers (FasL, TRAIL, granzyme B), and apoptosis: 1) cell cycle stained with propidium iodide (detection of sub-G1 cycle phase), 2) flow cytometry scatter properties. Results: In NSCLC patients, AL apoptosis rate was lower as compared to controls. Statistical significance was proved in adenocarcinoma smokers (0.3±0.4 vs 1.4±1.2% for sub-G1, p Conclusion: Unexpectedly, our observations suggest that NSCLC-induced suppression of alveolar lymphocytes does not exist, or it occurs at a relatively low level. However, we did not examine tumor infiltrating cells. AL system may be potentially used for immune therapy in early stage NSCLC.