[Role of immune skin reactions in progressive lung cancer during the administration of OK-432--relation to reactions to DNCB, PPD and Su-PS].

In order to study the role of immune skin reactions (DNCB, PPD, Su-PS reaction) in progressive lung cancer, various investigations were conducted, in particular during the administration of OK-432, and the following results were obtained. Before and after chemotherapy, only a slight decrease in the skin reactions was noted. Su-PS reaction was intensified by the administration of OK-432, but other skin reactions were not changed after 3 months, being only slightly intensified by long-term administration. At the time of remission achieved through radiochemotherapy during administration of OK-432, Su-PS reaction was intensified compared to the level before treatment, and a lowering tendency was noted at the time of recurrence. PPD reaction presented a similar tendency, but DNCB reaction did not show this trend. Concerning the relationship between skin reaction and survival period, the positive DNCB reaction group before treatment had a significantly extended survival period compared to that of the negative group. During administration of OK-432, Su-PS reaction was most useful at all timings, while PPD reaction occurred during the intermediate period. Upon observing the Su-PS reaction after 3 months of treatment, the prognosis was excellent in cases with erythema of 10 mm or more. However, no such tendency was noted for the PPD reaction. Thus, for understanding the pathologic state and prognosis of patients with progressive lung cancer, the Su-PS reaction was most useful during intra dermal administration of OK-432, the PPD reaction was moderately useful, but the DNCB reaction produced different results. Therefore, for the evaluation of prognosis, it was considered essential to select and combine the skin reactions according to the examination timing and treatment schedule.