title: Effect of short-term levamisole therapy on delayed hypersensitivity.
abstract: A randomized trial of short-term Levamisole treatment was undertaken in a cancer population unresponsive to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to determine whether this agent increased delayed hypersensitivity. Of 100 patients entered, 50 received Levamisole (150 mg daily x 3) during DNCB challenge. The other 50 patients were challenged but not given the drug. The conversion rate to DNCB+ was 20% (10/50) for those treated and 12% (6/50) for controls. The difference is not significant. When all 100 patients were considered there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between extent of disease and the incidence of conversion to a DNCB reactive state. Levamisole as given does not appear to have a major influence on delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D007978:Levamisole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene; D007978:Levamisole