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Prolonged BCG treatment of melanoma: does it suppress the immune capacity?
Author(s) -
HELANDER I.,
NORDMAN E.,
HÅKKINEN I.P.T.,
TOIVANEN A.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1979.tb00020.x
Subject(s) - medicine , immune system , immunology , lymphocyte , antibody , abo blood group system , melanoma , immunotherapy , cancer research
SUMMARY The immunological status of seven patients with disseminated melanoma during BCG scarification was followed. As parameters, the total peripheral blood leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, serum immunoglobulin levels, natural ABO blood group antibodies, lymphocyte responses in vitro to PHA and PPD, and skin reactivity against PPD and candidin were followed during a period of 2‐36 months. The EAC‐rosette‐forming cells increased and the E‐rosette‐forming cells decreased during prolonged BCG therapy. The skin reactions and lymphocyte responses showed in most patients conversion from negative to positive or augmentation at the start of the therapy. Later on, however, the values in most patients dropped before disseminated disease became clinically apparent. In the only surviving patient the values first increased, remained high, and after 100 weeks treatment decreased. After 140 weeks'treatment immunological parameters are similar to pre‐treatment levels. The possibility that prolonged intensive BCG treatment might eventually suppress the immune system, and thus result in an enhanced risk of dissemination of the disease, is discussed.