The role of lymphokines in modulating the immune response in patients suffering from neoplastic disease is still controversial. Recent studies indicate that in patients with head and neck cancer, a decrease in LIF (leukocyte migration inhibiting factor) production is usually present in advanced disease. In this study, the authors investigate: the LIF production in lymphocytes derived from the peripheral blood and cervical nodes of patients with laryngeal carcinoma by using an autologous pattern (i.e., for each patient, the specific LIF production was challenged by means of an autologous cell extract derived from his own tumor); the influence of histologically confirmed cervical node metastases on LIF production. Our results indicate that: There is a significant decrease in LIF production in patients with histologically proven cervical node metastases as compared to patients with no metastatic foci. The decrease of LIF production is related to the presence of mononuclear adherent cells. When the latter are removed, there is a significant reversal of specific LIF suppression. The possible meaning of the data is discussed.