title: [Immunotherapy of malignant melanoma (active specific and non-specific immune stimulation) (author's transl)].
abstract: A prospective study was carried out on patients with stage I to III malignant melanoma. Following tumour resection these patients were treated with membrane extracts of autologous tumor tissue and BCG (Pasteur) or BCG alone by intradermal injections weekly for a minimum period of 6 months. They were followed up immunologically by delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions: skin tests with recall antigens, PHA, with autologous tumour membrane extracts and challenge to 2-4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The lymphocytic reactivity was assessed in vitro by means of the direct lymphocytic migration inhibition assay, purified tuberculin and autologous or allogoneic tumour extracts being used as antigens; the lymphocytic blastogenic response to PHA was also investigated. This study, which includes the data of 50 patients, demonstrates that it is possible to increase tumour--specific and general immune reactivity by this form of treatment.
mesh_terms: D000917:Antibody Formation; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001500:BCG Vaccine; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D001500:BCG Vaccine; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene
vernacular_title: Immunotherapie beim malignen Melanom (Aktive spezifische und akute unspezifische Immunstimulierung)