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Data on the frequency of peripheral Treg cells, their functional activity, as well as their relationship to changes in characteristics of cellular immunity in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC, n=42) and healthy donors (n=34) are presented in the article. Assessment of the expression of molecular markers of lymphocytes was performed by multicolor flow cytometry. It was shown that the number of these cells is significantly increased in CRC patients (p<0,05). Probably CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg cells may play a more substantial role in the periphery during the initial period of tumor formation, whereas CD8+FOXP3+ Treg cells are important in the later stages of the disease. In CRC patients, the increase of the functional activity of Treg cells (CD4+CD25+CD127lo/‘) on the expression of inhibitory molecules CTLA-4 and the marker of cell proliferation Ki-67 was observed. In patients with CRC, the frequency of peripheral Treg cells and the expression level of CTLA-4 were inversely correlated with the number of CD3+CD4+ T-helper cells.

Comparative analysis of using tumor markers in 159 patients with colorectal cancer was made. Carcinoembryonal antigen, skin reaction of hypersensitivity of slow type with autologous modified lymphocytes and a diagnostic test of tumor growth were used as oncomarkers. Each of three markers may be used for preoperative staging of colorectal cancer, postoperative monitoring of patients and determination of the disease prognosis. An individual approach of assessment of the oncomarker level at different stages of examining the patient is recommended.