The heterogeneity of the interaction between cancer chemotherapeutic agents and host resistance mechanisms.

Abstract

Employing adriamycin and daunomycin as model drugs, evidence is presented that a differential effect on host defense mechanisms can be important in determining the therapeutic efficacy of antitumorals. The heterogeneity of these and other cancer chemotherapeutic agents in immunocyte populations such as macrophages, suppressor cells, and natural-killer cells is examined, and discussed is the possible relevance of this heterogeneity in understanding the mode of action and in better use of antitumorals in combined approaches.