To assess the functional integrity of monocytes in patients with cervical carcinoma, cytotoxic potential of peripheral blood monocytes and their ability to secrete interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) after activation with different stimulating agents were studied. Comparable Levels of monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity were observed in healthy donors and patients. The production of IL-1 and TNF-alpha by monocytes of healthy donors and patients was similar indicating no defect in monocyte functions in these patients.