Clinical experience with transfer and direct tumor-specific immunity in the treatment of 24 advanced cancer patients with observations on "post surgical" immunoprophylaxis and local immunotherapy

ABSTRACT

Twenty-four patients with various types of cancer were given transfer and Direct-Specific Immunizations which at times were reinforced with BCG under conditions of exigency. The patients were grouped as follows Group 1 - Tumors adequately removed, no metastasis or spread, Group 2 - Tumors adequately removed previously but with existing spread or metastasis at time of immunotherapy, Group 3 - Tumors not adequately removed, with local or systemic spread, Group 4 - Tumors not removed, with local or systemic spreadIn group 1, all are alive except one (7/8 or 87.5%) between 9 to 96 months (mean 35.8 mo.) with recurrence of tumor only in one patient. In Group 2 (6 patients), four had dramatic dissolution of the spread and recurrence, two had growth slowing and all are alive except one (5/6 or 83.3%) 6 to 60 months (mean 27.1 mo.). In Group 3 (2 patients), all died with a mean survival time of 16 months,. In Group 4 (8 patients), only one is alive (12.5%) after 72 months, with a mean survival time of 12.2 months. Control studies in 33 advanced cancer patients without Immunotherapy revealed a mean survival time of 2.7 months, with no living patient after that period. Survival time was calculated from the first visit or institution of immunotherapy and not from the previous operation. Comparison with Villasors series was discussed. Included in this study was an experience with local immunotherapy for cutaneous lesionsTumor burden was a critical factor as shown in Groups 3 and 4. The results in Groups 1 and 2 were encouraging and invite more attention, study and employment of bigger series"Post-Surgical" Immunoprophylaxis was discussed relative to its effectivity (7/8 or 87.5%) in Group 1 and an overall survial rate of 53.8% for all groupsThe role of lymphocytes as cytopathic effectors of cell-mediated immunity as well as the prognostic significance of its peripheral population has been emphasized. The presence of atypical cells and significant eosinophilia in some patients and their relationship to antigenic recognition and tumor antigen-antibody interaction was mentioned. Finally, the regenerative potential of Amino-acids combined with Inosine in conjunction with Immunotherapy was revealed by improvement in lymphocyte levels which cannot to explained solely by immunotherapy alone.(Summary)