INFLUENCE OF TH1, TH2, AND TH17 IMMUNE RESPONSES ON THE TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT AND REHABILITATION OUTCOMES IN NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates how expressions of Th1, Th2, and Th17 immune cells impact the immune microenvironment and subsequent prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, with a focus on implications for post-treatment recovery and physical rehabilitation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 40 NSCLC patients treated at our hospital from January 2020 to January 2021. Prior to treatment, flow cytometry was utilized to measure Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell subsets in various tissue types. This immunological data was then correlated with clinical outcomes including tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and pathological type. Additionally, survival rates and recovery metrics were monitored 12 months post-surgery to evaluate the impact of immune cell distribution on patient prognosis. Results: Th1 cell expression was significantly lower in cancerous lesions compared to junction and adjacent non-cancerous tissues, yet higher than in lymph nodes. Th2 cells showed higher expression in cancer lesions compared to other tissues. Patients with higher Th1 expression had a notably shorter median survival time (15.23 ± 2.65 months) compared to those with lower expression (18.65 ± 1.56 months). No significant differences were observed in survival times based on Th2 and Th17 expression levels. Post-treatment evaluations revealed a notable increase in Th1 levels and a decrease in Th2 and Th17 levels, indicating a modulation of the immune microenvironment following therapeutic interventions. Conclusion: The altered balance of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells in NSCLC patients may contribute to decreased immune functionality, influencing disease progression and patient outcomes. The findings suggest that monitoring these immune parameters can be crucial for assessing patient recovery and guiding post-treatment rehabilitation strategies. Enhancing immune balance through targeted therapies could potentially improve prognosis and quality of life, underscoring the importance of integrated care approaches that include physical activity and rehabilitation in cancer treatment protocols.