Carcinogenic action of anticancer drugs with special reference to immunosuppression.

Some anticancer drugs, especially alkylating agents, have under certain conditions shown a carcinogenic effect in animals, as well as in man. This carcinogenic effect is not due to the immunosuppressive properties of these substances but is directly related to their physicochemical properties. In extensive experimental studies with rats, a connection between the immune status of the host organism and the chemical carcinogenesis could not be proved.