Advani S H, Gulwani B, Ghogale S G, Shetye M R, Gangal S G
Oncology. 1985;42(5):275-81. doi: 10.1159/000226046.
The immunomodulating effects of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and levamisole with and without irradiated autologous leukemic cells were tested in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) after control of white cell count with busulfan. The response has been evaluated with respect to remission period and in vivo and in vitro immunological studies comprising delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity response to recall antigens and dinitrochlorobenzene, T cell and its subsets percentages, T-cell response to phytohemagglutinin, and to leukemia cell extracts by blastogenesis and leukocyte migration inhibition. Patients receiving BCG or levamisole did show marginal prolongation of remission, however immune parameters failed to show any improvement. In contrast, improvements in specific and nonspecific immune parameters were observed in patients receiving BCG or levamisole along with irradiated leukemic cells, however, concomitant clinical benefit was not obtained. Development of a better immunotherapeutic approach appears essential for immunomodulation in CML.
