Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

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

Zhongyi Zhang, Yuanlong Zhao

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China;

For correspondence:- Yuanlong Zhao Email: zhiyuantanyzqrv@163.com

Accepted: 02 August 2022 Published: 29 August 2022

Citation: Zhang Z, Zhao Y. Efficacy of cisplatin in combination with paclitaxel for oral cancer and its effect on cellular immunity. Trop J Pharm Res 2022; 21(8):1793-1797 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v21i8.29

© 2022 The authors.
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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.

Keywords: Cisplatin chemotherapy, Paclitaxel, Oral cancer, Peripheral blood cells, Immune function