Immunological diagnostics
Immune status in cancer: what can it show?
An immune status describes selected immune-system populations in the blood. Absolute cell counts, percentages, medications, infections and the clinical course are relevant for interpretation.
Typical Cell Populations
- T Lymphocytes
- B Lymphocytes
- natural killer cells (NK)
- NKT cells
- Monocytes
- leukocytes as reference population
Why absolute values are important
Percentages can change even when the actual cell count remains the same – or vice versa. Therefore, the combination of absolute and relative values is usually more informative.
When serial measurements are useful
Before, during and after intensive therapies, comparable measurements can show changes. Interpretation always takes the blood count, infections, medications and clinical situation into account.
Editorial responsibility: IMMUMEDIC Limited · Portal editor Andreas Rach. Last updated: 12 August 2026. General medical information – not an individual diagnosis, treatment decision or guarantee of cure.