Enhancement of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity by oral administration of RU 41740 (Biostim) in lymphoma patients--a randomized double blind multicentric trial.

RU 41740 (Biostim) is a glycoprotein extract from Klebsiella pneumoniae with immunostimulating properties in animal studies and in in vitro assays of human leukocyte functions. The present randomized double blind phase II trial showed that RU 41740 significantly (P less than 0.05, Mann & Whitney test) enhanced delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity to seven recall antigens (Multitest system) in lymphoma patients in unmaintained complete remission when given orally for 14 days at a daily dose of 8 mg, and compared to placebo. Daily doses of 2 and 32 mg were uneffective.