Immunocompetence of cancer patients treated with levamisole

Abstract

Nineteen outpatients with malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, who had surgical resection for complete removal of the tumor and no demonstrable metastases following surgery, were administered Levamisole (p.o., 150 mg per day, two days per week) and maintained on this dose for at least six months. Of this group, drug therapy was discontinued in four patients because of severe "flu-like" syndromes leaving a group of 15 patients for detailed analysis. T-lymphocyte percentages and levels, cAMP levels in the lymphocytes and a battery of skin tests for recall antigens were evaluated following surgery and at various intervals during immunotherapy. Patients who responded well to the treatment showed increased levels of T-lymphocytes and increased cAMP levels, whereas non-responders had low T-cell levels and low cAMP levels. Also positive skin test reactions were observed in most patients who responded well to immunotherapy, although this was the least reliable indicator of patient response. Eight of the nine patients in the melanoma group have responded well clinically, whereas five of the six squamous cell carcinoma patients have developed recurrences.