Assessment of the effects of Imatinib mesylate (Glivec) therapy on CD4+ T lymphocytes and serum immunoglobulins in a cohort of Nigerian Chronic myeloid leukaemia patients - Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the effects of Glivec on some aspects of immunity in CML patients.
Patients and Methods: We prospectively assessed some immunological parameters in 50 Nigerian CML patients before and six months into Glivec therapy. FBC, CD4+ T lymphocytes, serum IgG, IgM, and IgA, plasma total proteins, albumin and globulin were assessed at diagnosis and at 6 months of Glivec therapy. CD4+ lymphocyte count was carried out using Class 1 Cyflow Counter. FBC was done using
manual method and ALC calculated from total WBC and the differential count of lymphocytes. Serum immunoglobulins were measured using ELISA method. Biuret method was used to measure total protein; while BCG dye binding method was used for serum albumin.
Results: After 6 months of therapy, 70% of subjects were in haematological remission with a significant reduction in the mean CD4+ lymphocyte count and mean serum IgA (p < 0.000, respectively). No significant differences were found in the mean IgG and IgM; and between the values of the immunological parameters between those in haematological remission and those that were not in remission.
Conclusions: This study suggests that Imatinib can affect some aspects of the immunity. However, infection is not a major problem in them.