The frequency of atopy in lung cancer patients

: The controversial opinions on adverse correlation between atopy and incidence of lung cancer made us to undertake the research in that field in patients, treated in Department of Lung Diseases of University School of Medicine in Bydgoszcz. In 45 histologically diagnosed lung cancer patients in III and IV stage of the disease the tendency to atopy was assessed. In above mentioned patients the serum level of total IgE, the number of eosinophyls in peripheral blood and skin tests with popular allergens such as: home-dust, feather, grass particles, fungus and mould. It was established, that atopy in 25% of lung cancer patients was observed. That percents similar in persons without cancer burden. These findings suggest, that pathologically increased immunologic reactions, observed in atopic patients do not protect from lung cancer. From the other hand, the results of these examinations suggest also, that depressions of immunologic reactions, connected with lung cancer are selective in their nature.