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Present status of BCG immunotherapy of malignant melanoma

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Summary

BCG systemic adjuvant immunotherapy may be effective for improving both the recurrence and survival rates in patients with regional metastases from malignant melanoma. Clinical trials show that many of the principles derived from the study of animal tumor systems are applicable to human cancer in that immunotherapy is most effective for a small residual number of tumor cells. BCG treatment fulfills many of the ideal criteria for adjuvant treatment following surgery when disease burden is lowest. It is relatively nontoxic; it is effective for disseminated melanoma; it has systemic activity in the adjuvant treatment of subclinical metastases. However, until clinical trials are complete, BCG adjuvant therapy must be considered investigational.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Oncology, Department of Surgery, UCLA Medical School, 90024, Los Angeles, CA

    D. L. Morton, F. R. Eilber, E. C. Holmes, F. C. Sparks & K. P. Ramming

  2. Department of Surgical Services, Sepulveda VA Hospital, 91343, Sepulveda, CA, U.S.A.

    D. L. Morton, F. R. Eilber, E. C. Holmes, F. C. Sparks & K. P. Ramming

Authors
  1. D. L. Morton
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  2. F. R. Eilber
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  3. E. C. Holmes
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  4. F. C. Sparks
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  5. K. P. Ramming
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Additional information

Supported by USPHS grants CA05252, CA12582, and NIH 0732001 CB43852.

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Morton, D.L., Eilber, F.R., Holmes, E.C. et al. Present status of BCG immunotherapy of malignant melanoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1, 93–98 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00205300

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