Adjuvant immunostimulation in malignant melanoma with oral Bacille Calmette-Guérin

Abstract

Results of the administration of oral bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) as an adjunct to standard treatment in 62 patients with malignant melanoma indicate that this drug is of value in preventing distant spread of the disease when it is limited to one region and in its early stages. BCG increases survival in patients with visceral metastases. In those in whom these metastases are surgically resectable, it inhibits the development of further metastases. Oral BCG treatment does not affect the course of the disease in patients with massive hepatic or intracranial metastases.