Serial changes in lymphocyte subsets in patients with newly diagnosed high grade astrocytomas treated with standard radiation and temozolomide

This study was performed to quantify serial changes in lymphocyte subsets in HGA following standard radiation (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ). Adults (KPS  >60, HIV negative) with newly diagnosed HGA scheduled to receive concurrent RT and TMZ and adjuvant TMZ were eligible. Blood was collected before beginning concurrent RT/TMZ and at weeks 6, 10, 18, and 26, and 3 months after completing adjuvant TMZ. Lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Twenty patients (70% glioblastoma, median age 53, 50% male, 80% Caucasian) who enrolled from January 2014 to August 2014 were followed until April 2016. Baseline dexamethasone dose was 0.5  mg/day and 15% had absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) <1000 cells/mm3 before starting RT/TMZ. However, 75% developed lymphopenia with ALC  <10...

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via alkiviadis.1961 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tNnE6u