A preliminary study of intravenous methanol extraction residue of BCG in treatment of advanced cancer.
Twenty-four patients with advanced cancer not reacting to conventional therapy were treated with 97 courses of i.v. MER (methanol extraction residue of BCG). MER was administered by i.v. infusion over a 4-h period, twice a week, in dosages varying from 0.05 mg to 1.25 mg. The skin reactivity to 5 recall antigens was evaluated in the patients. All patients except 4 were anergic. Twelve patients had no side-effects. Anergic patients had less side-effects than ergic patients. The side-effects recorded in the others were fever, chills, vomiting and tachycardia. The reaction subsided within 24 h after treatment and was tolerable for most patients. In 2 patients an objective improvement was observed. No changes in cutaneous reactivity, renal and hepatic functions were found. A significant increase in peripheral leucocyte count was noted in two patients and slight a increase in the remainder.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001831:Body Temperature; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D000432:Methanol; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D012882:Skin Tests; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000209:etiology
D001500:BCG Vaccine; D000432:Methanol