Changes of cytokine m RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from unresectable non-small cell lung cancer patients before and after clarithromycin therapy

Abstract

We have reported that long term clarithromycin (CAM) therapy improves the survival time of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. In the present study, we examined peripheral blood mononuclear cells for changes in cytokine mRNA by RT-PCR before and after CAM therapy. The study included 15 patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. Before CAM therapy, 13 patients received basic therapy consisting of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both. Two patients received no basic therapy. Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interleuikin-12 (11-12), Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) mRNA were measured before and at one and three months after starting CAM therapy. IL-12 and IFN-γ mRNA were significantly increased, and IL-10m RNA was decreased. The results suggest that CAM exhibits an antitumor effect that promotes Thlymphocytes shows a Th 1-like cytokine production.