Local delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions in breast cancer patients with and without removal of axillary lymph nodes.

Fifty-five patients were sensitized to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Two weeks later they were challenged. The minimal concentration yielding 2+ reactivity and one dilution above and below were then applied to the anterior chest wall on both the operated and nonoperated sides. Using multinomial chi-square statistical analysis, we found that the operated and nonoperated sides evidenced equal reactivity. Futhermore, the absence of axillary lymph nodes did not diminish the reactivity in the operated area. These data support the contention that maintenance of local cellular immunity, as assessed by DNCB skin test reactivity, is systemic and counters the argument that regional lymphadenectomy impairs local and/or systemic cellular immunity.