EFFECT OF CORYNEBACTERIUM-PARVUM ON HUMORAL AND CELLULAR IMMUNE SYSTEMS IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST-CANCER

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 24  (3) , 441-447
Abstract
C. parvum, a gram positive anaerobic bacillus thought to be a strong immunological stimulant, decreased tumor growth and prolonged survival in patients with metastatic disease. Study of the effect of a single injection of a strain of C. parvum (CN. 6134) in 6 patients with stage IV metastatic breast cancer is reported. Results of laboratory tests to judge the physical and immunological effects of the drug infusion 24 h post-treatment and weekly thereafter for 3 wk are evaluated. Within 24 h after C. parvum administration, most patients experienced fever and nausea. Blood counts and differential counts exhibited increased values 24 h after treatment with a strong shift to the left. Lymphocyte and monocyte counts were greatly depressed at 24 h T [thymus-derived]-cell numbers in peripheral blood did not appear to be altered, but the picture with regard to B [bone marrow-derived]-cells was less clear. Normal count was recovered by day 8. It appears that i.v. administration of C. parvum produces a temporary immunological depression which returns to normal values in 8 days. The return to normal may be accompanied by resolution of the endotoxin-like syndrome of side effects. Further study of patients receiving this therapeutic agent is important to detect enhancement of the anti-tumor immunological response precipitated.