Changes of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in patients with oral squamous carcinoma

The distribution of peripheral lymphocyte subsets of 32 patients, who had undergone surgical removal of squamous carcinoma and have evaded recurrence was studied using OK series monoclonal antibodies. The T-lymphocyte subpopulation was reduced in patients who were tumor free for more than 3 years. The helper/inducer T-cell subpopulation was reduced in most of the patients studied, whereas little change was observed in the subpopulation of suppressor/cytotoxic T cells. Consequently the ratio of OKT 4+/OKT 8+ was reduced in accordance with the tumor free period.