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Lack of effect of levamisole on the immune function in melanoma patients

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Summary

The immune function of 24 patients with local and regional melanoma receiving levamisole as adjuvant treatment was followed during 12–36 months. There were only minimal changes in the number of the peripheral blood lymphocytes and of E-rosette-forming cells. There was no essential improvement in the responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), and purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) during levamisole treatment. Only eight of 24 patients were without recurrence during the observation time of 12–36 months. Our results indicate that adjuvant levamisole therapy in melanoma patients does not exert significant beneficial effects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Radiotherapy, Turku University, SF-20520, Turku 52, Finland

    A. Toivanen, O. Lassila & E. Nordman

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  1. A. Toivanen
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  2. O. Lassila
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  3. E. Nordman
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Toivanen, A., Lassila, O. & Nordman, E. Lack of effect of levamisole on the immune function in melanoma patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 10, 191–195 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00205519

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00205519

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