[Immunologic parameters in breast cancer patients (depending on age, reproductive function, clinical and pathologic pattern and growth rate of the tumor)].

The immunological indices were studied by spontaneous rosette-formation and immunocytochemical procedure in 226 patients with breast cancer. The levels, ratio and phenotypic patterns of peripheral blood T-cells were assessed in patients with primary tumors vis-a-vis biological pattern of tumor, stage, rate of growth, locally-regional extension, pathogenetical type of tumor and such breast cancer-related physiological characteristics as age and menstrual function. It was found that immunodepression in breast cancer patients can be detected by laboratory examination at stage IIb. It may manifest itself in a changed ratio of main subpopulations of T-lymphocytes, decrease in the total level of T-cells and increase in dysfunctional ones. The worst immunological indices were identified in patients younger than 35 and those with rapidly growing tumors.