Proposed Immunology of the Spontaneous Remission of Leukemia

Abstract

Spontaneous remission of leukemia is more likely to occur after anti-biotic treatment of an infection, termination of pregnancy, blood transfusion and host versus graft reaction. All have in common a drop in platelet count followed by a rise in platelet count. Spontaneous remissions of leukemia may be preceded by a low platelet count, anemia or low hemoglobulin. Also, once spontaneous remission of leukemia occurs there may be a simultaneous rise in platelet count and hemoglobulin. The drop and rise in platelet count seem to be suggestive of an acute inflammatory response and the acute inflammatory response was possibly the cause of the spontaneous remission of leukemia. It is suggested that the acute inflammatory response that has taken place was initiated while the platelet count was low. There after by passing the immune suppressive effects of the systemic inflammation induced by the leukemia. Platelets seem to be the medium of the immune-suppressive effect of the systemic inflammation induced by the leukemia. The lowering of activated platelets in patients with leukemia may allow by passing the immune-suppressive effects and tumor promoting effects of activated platelets in leukemia patients and thereafter the activation of the immune system and the removal of leukemia cells. Platelets have an immune-regulatory function effecting both innate immunity and adoptive immunity. Possibly the low blood oxygen enhanced the acute inflammatory response initiated with a low platelet count. A low Hemoglobin might have made cancer more vulnerable to an immune response since cancer cells are more dependent on iron than normal cells are. ReseaRch aRticle