In vitro detection of cell-mediated immunity to antigens associated with Hodgkin's granulomas.

Inhibition of the migration of peripheral blood leucocytes with extracts of homologous spleen granulomas was demonstrated in 2 out of 19 patients with Hodgkin's disease prior to any irradiation or cytostatic therapy. These patients were the only ones in the material classified as stage IA. Furthermore, leucocyte migration was inhibited in 2 out of 3 patients tested shortly after high voltage irradiation against mantle-fields. Based on these findings it is concluded that lymphocytes, which are sensitized specifically against components of the granulomas, might occur in Hodgkin patients with restricted involvement of lymph nodes, and probable patients with more widespread disease might regain their specific cell-mediated immunity after radiotherapy.