Abstract
Abstract
The present study was designed to explore the effects of large doses of dialysable leukocyte extract (DLE) in two patients with advanced malignant melanoma. The doses ranged from 600 units/M2 to 1200 units/M2, given iv. The single dose of 1200 units/M2 amounted to 2000 units. This represented an 80-fold increase over the previously reported highest single dose. Case 1 received 5100 units of DLE in three doses. Case 2 received 14,900 units iv in nine doses over a 6-week period. Slight, but temporary, tumor reduction was seen in patient 2. The high doses enhanced E-rosette formation and lymphocyte transformation of these patients. These doses also inhibited delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions, especially if the skin tests were given 4 hr after the injection of DLE. Inhibition of delayed hypersensitivity was observed even when E-rosettes and lymphocyte transformation were enhanced. The inhibitory effect was reversible. Blood chemistry, electrolytes, and peripheral blood count were unaffected except for some rise in LDH and increase in the absolute number of T cells.
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