Some immunologically based reactions that can cause the regression of large tumor masses.

A widely held view is that the immune reactions of the host directed against tumor-specific membrane antigens can only eliminate a relatively small number of tumor cells. There are, however, some therapeutic maneuvers, that under some conditions can cause the regression of large tumor masses to which immune factors make a critical contribution. Among these are the injection of complement, administration of double stranded RNA and endotoxin, and the induction of inflammation.