[en] The behaviour of T and B lymphocytes subpopulations was evaluated in patients with breast cancer submitted to 3 different schedules of radiotherapy. The assays were carried out before and immediately after the end of treatment. T lymphocytes and the helper/inducer (CD₄) and suppressor/cytotoxic (CD₈) subpopulations were counted by indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies of the OKT series. The number of B lymphocytes was obtained by direct immunofluorescence with fluorescein-conjugated anti-human Ig antibodies. The patients were divided into 3 groups: irradiation of the breast only; irradiation of the lymph-draining areas; irradiation of the breast, of the lymph-draining area and of the sternal area. (author)