Immunotherapy and chemotherapy in children with neuroblastoma

J Natl Cancer Inst. 1976 Sep;57(3):717-20. doi: 10.1093/jnci/57.3.717.

Abstract

Recent advances with immunotherapy in animal tumors suggested that trials with a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in human malignant tumors might be worthwhile. A pilot program with Vibrio cholera neuraminidase-treated tumor cells plus BCG was tested in 3 patients who had had chemotherapy for disseminated neuroblastoma. Two of these children were in "complete remission" after radiation therapy and chemotherapy before the administration of immunotherapy. Relapse occurred in 5-6 months in all 3 patients. These disappointing results are discussed in relation to problems of current chemotherapy in disseminated neuroblastoma including results obtained at second-look operations in patients obtaining "complete remission."

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • BCG Vaccine / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Dacarbazine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neuraminidase / pharmacology
  • Neuroblastoma / drug therapy
  • Neuroblastoma / radiotherapy
  • Neuroblastoma / therapy*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Vibrio cholerae / enzymology
  • Vincristine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • BCG Vaccine
  • Vincristine
  • Dacarbazine
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Neuraminidase