The delayed hypersensitivity response in primary breast carcinoma as an index of host resistance

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Abstract
An attempt has been made to correlate the Varidase test with possible immunological phenomena as assessed histologically. It would appear statistically that the test is more likely to be negative in the presence of poor differentiation, suggesting that there may be some form of immunological suppression in these cases. In the majority of these poorly differentiated cases there was an absence of lymphocytic involvement of the tumour. However, no obvious connexion between Varidase and lymphocytic infiltration of the tumour or sinus histiocytosis has been found. The Varidase test cannot therefore be assumed to be a reliable guide of the accepted histological criteria of host-defence reactions. Any information as to why this test should be so consistently depressed in the presence of malignant disease has not been forthcoming. This work is a preliminary report and is an attempt to assess the total immune competence of a group of adult patients in the presence of mammary carcinoma. It is freely acknowledged that further work into the long-term survival of these patients is necessary before further conclusions can be drawn.