[Immunotherapy of malignant melanoma (active specific and non-specific immune stimulation) (author's transl)]

Abstract

A prospective study was carried out on patients with stage I to III malignant melanoma. Following tumour resection these patients were treated with membrane extracts of autologous tumor tissue and BCG (Pasteur) or BCG alone by intradermal injections weekly for a minimum period of 6 months. They were followed up immunologically by delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions: skin tests with recall antigens, PHA, with autologous tumour membrane extracts and challenge to 2-4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The lymphocytic reactivity was assessed in vitro by means of the direct lymphocytic migration inhibition assay, purified tuberculin and autologous or allogoneic tumour extracts being used as antigens; the lymphocytic blastogenic response to PHA was also investigated. This study, which includes the data of 50 patients, demonstrates that it is possible to increase tumour--specific and general immune reactivity by this form of treatment.