Increased IgA in Women Free of Recurrence After Mastectomy and Radiation

The IgA concentration and total lymphocyte count were measured in 42 women with axillary node metastases at mastectomy. Recurrence after irradiation was significantly correlated (P=.001) with an IgA level of less than 200 mg/100 ml and lymphocyte count of less than 1,500/cu mm. Low IgA concentrations present preoperatively are unaffected by therapy. Patients not irradiated showed no correlation between IgA concentration and recurrence, but irradiated women with a high level of IgA apparently remain tumor-free. We conclude that post-mastectomy irradiation is detrimental to patients with a low IgA concentration and may improve survival in women with a high pre-operative IgA level.