Premium
Effect of short‐term levamisole therapy on delayed hypersensitivity
Author(s) -
Hirshaut Yashar,
Pinsky Carl M.,
Frydecka Irena,
Wanebo Harold J.,
Passe Sharon,
Miké Valerie,
Oettgen Herbert F.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19800115)45:2<362::aid-cncr2820450228>3.0.co;2-1
Subject(s) - levamisole , medicine , delayed hypersensitivity , hypersensitivity reaction , population , incidence (geometry) , cancer , surgery , dermatology , immunology , immune system , physics , environmental health , optics
A randomized trial of short‐term Levamisole treatment was undertaken in a cancer population unresponsive to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to determine whether this agent increased delayed hypersensitivity. Of 100 patients entered, 50 received Levamisole (150 mg daily x 3) during DNCB challenge. The other 50 patients were challenged but not given the drug. The conversion rate to DNCB+ was 20% (10/50) for those treated and 12% (6/50) for controls. The difference is not significant. When all 100 patients were considered there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between extent of disease and the incidence of conversion to a DNCB reactive state. Levamisole as given does not appear to have a major influence on delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity.