Psychological and immunological defenses in cancer--the two aspects of one problem

摘要

The study group included 17 cancer patients, aged 25-55, (stage III-IV), mostly suffering melanoma. All of them received hypnosuggestive therapy to correct psycho-emotional disorders. Significant decrease in anxiety-related indices (p < 0.001) due to therapy pointed to rehabilitation of psychological defenses. Clinical rehabilitation was manifested by improved quality of life (p < 0.01), better habitus and adaptation (p < 0.01). The modulating effect on the macrophageal and phagocytic components of the immune system (p < 0.05) was matched by a significant correlation between psychological defense indices and those of immunological status. Our data have contributed to the existing knowledge about relationships of mind and immunity in cancer patients.