Effects of cisplatin, bleomycin and DTIC on immune function in vitro and in vivo

In this chapter the authors will discuss the effects of three active antineoplastic drugs on various immune functions. These three drugs - cis-diammine-dichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin), 5-methyl-(3,3,-dimethyl-1-triazeno)-imidazole-4-carboxamide (DTIC, decarbazine), and bleomycin - are relatively non-myelotoxic and therefore do not randomly kill rapidly dividing cells such as granulocytes or their precursors. The authors will introduce each discussion with a short mention of what are felt to be the currently accepted mechanisms of the antineoplastic actions of these drugs. The authors hope the reader will keep an open mind as to the possibilities that these, and other agents, could effect their clinical efficacy in alternative ways as well.