[The nonspecific epifocal Malek-Mansour immunotherapy of malignant cutaneous melanoma using DNCB]

Abstract

This is a report on first experiences with epifocal DNCB therapy of Malek-Mansour in metastases and primary tumors of melanoma. Clinical, histological, and fluorescencemicroscopical documentation of six cases with melanoma metastases and twelve cases with primary melanomas, treated epifocally with DNCB (solution or ointment) are given. Metastases of melanoma react variably to DNCB, whereas primary tumors especially flat forms the SSM with or without invasion, usually disappeare totally after four to twelve DNCB applications. The results of Malek-Mansour et al. could be confirmed. During the DNCB treatment, which does not require a preceding sensibilization, initial caustic effects, chemosurgical effects, and a longterm "immuno-chirurgical" effect must be distinguished. An apparent immunological effect of treatment is shown by the therapeutical reaction of non-treated metastases. A sensitization to DNCB occurred also in all cases of older patients. Recurrences of melanoma, which could be due to the new method of therapie, did not occur within 18 months.