Regression of melanoma nodules in a patient treated with ranitidine.
Human malignant melanoma may regress spontaneously or with immunotherapy, such as Calmette-Guerin bacillus, interferon alfa, interleukin-2, and interleukin-2 plus lymphokine-activated killer cells. Histamine type 2 receptor antagonists can modulate immune function by inhibiting suppressor T-cell induction and activity, and melanoma regressions have been reported after the use of cimetidine with coumarin or interferon alfa. This article describes the complete regression of melanoma nodules in a patient treated with ranitidine hydrochloride, another histamine type 2-receptor antagonist. Ranitidine and cimetidine should be considered to be possibly active immunotherapeutic agents in the design and evaluation of clinical trials.
Smith
T
T
Department of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298-0001.
Clark
J W
JW
Popp
M B
MB
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011899:Ranitidine