Psycho-Endocrine-Immune Profile: Implications for Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients
Abstract
Breast biopsy is an emotional experience that may impair anti-tumor immune responses. This study determined a woman's psychological and immune response pre (T1 and T2) and post (T3 and T4) breast biopsy. Overall, stress, anxiety, and mood disturbance were heightened pre-biopsy. Post-biopsy, stress, anxiety, and mood disturbance diminished but remained increased relative to non-biopsied control women. Natural killer cell activity (NKCA) was depressed pre- and post-biopsy compared to non-biopsied control women. Women with cancer had greater stress and lower NKCA post-biopsy compared to women with benign results. IL-6 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of biopsy patients was increased both pre- and post-biopsy compared to control women. Conversely, IFN(gamma) and IL-2 were depressed at Tl-T4, while IL-4 and IL-l0 were increased at T2 and T3 and normalized by T4 relative to control women. Thus, breast biopsy produced stress, anxiety, and mood disturbance, which was diminished post-biopsy. Breast biopsy was accompanied by depressed NKCA and altered cytokine production that persisted well beyond the biopsy experience and were more marked in women diagnosed with breast cancer. In conclusion, psychological and immune dysregulation begin early in a woman's encounter with breast cancer and may influence cancer control.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA390180
Entities
People
- Linda J. Janusek
Organizations
- Loyola University New Orleans