Inhibition of rosette formation by antithymocyte globulin

The peripheral blood leukocytes from 29 patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon were studied sequentially for the T-cell level, the rosette-inhibition titer of antithymocyte globulin and the blastogenic response to PHA and Con A to evaluate the T-cell immunocompetence. The level of E-rosette-forming cells and the blastogenic response did not reflect the immunocompetence of the T-cell population. Fluctuations in the rosette-inhibition titer of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) were observed; an increased ATG titer indicated an unfavorable clinical course, while a decreased ATG titer was observed with patients who had a favorable clinical course. The rosette-inhibition titer with antithymocyte globulin was observed to be an important indicator of competent T cells in patients with colorectal cancer.