Presence Of Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions In Patients Toward Cellular Extracts Of Theirmalignant Tumors .2. A Correlation Between Histologic Picture Of Lymphocyte Infiltration Of Tumor Stroma Presence Of Such A Reaction And A Discussion Of Significance Of This Phenomenon

A correlation is made between the degree of stromal infiltration of a tumor by lymphocytes and the presence of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction in a patient toward cellular extracts of his own tumor, injected intradermally. A literature review has suggested that patients with such lymphocytic infiltration have a good prognosis. The relative inefficiency of such a cellular defense mechanism is noted. In the light of our present knowledge of lymphocyte destruction of target cells, we propose that nonspecific antigen stimulus may improve such a defense mechanism. Evidence in support of this is taken from experimental animal systems and the history of medicine and, in particular, from the work of Dr. W. B. Coley.