Efficacy of c isplatin in combination with paclitaxel for oral cancer and its effect on cellular immunity

Abstract

Purpose: To study the efficacy of cisplatin in combination with paclitaxel in the treatment of oral cancer and its effect on cellular immunity. Methods: A total of 100 patients with oral cancer, treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from May 2018 to April 2020 were included and evenly allocated to study and control groups. The patients in the study group received cisplatin plus paclitaxel, while the patients in the control group received only cisplatin. The serum levels of T lymphocytes, interleukin (IL) -4, IL-2, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were determined. Results: After treatment, the study group showed significantly higher levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4/CD8, but a lower CD8+ level (26.17 ± 2.14 μL). than those before treatment (p < 0.05). The control group was associated with higher post-treatment CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4/CD8 levels and lower CD8+ levels versus patients in the study group (p < 0.05). The study group showed higher levels of IL-2 and INF-γ, (246.77 ± 13.68 and 1194.62 ± 123.15 pg/mL), respectively, but lower IL-4 levels (392.48 ± 13.25 pg/mL) after treatment than before treatment. Control group was associated with higher post-treatment IL-2 and INF-γ levels and lower IL-4 levels compared to patients in the study group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cisplatin and paclitaxel combination offers a viable treatment alternative for oral cancer, as it enhances patients’ immune function and disease prognosis, regulates inflammatory responses, and promotes patients’ recovery. Further investigations in larger population settings are, however, recommended.