Immunological effects of isoprinosine as a pulse immunotherapy in melanoma and ARC patients

Cancer Detect Prev Suppl. 1987:1:457-62.

Abstract

Immunomodulatory effect of Isoprinosine are presented in melanoma and HTLV-III/LAV infected patients. Isoprinosine (50 mg/kg) was used as a pulse immunotherapy according to two different schedules: A) 5 days every 15 days and B) 5 days every 15 days for 2 months, then 5 days every 2 months. The patients' immunological profiles were tested before and during the treatment in terms of T-cell subsets, cell number requirement for PHA-induced proliferation, and delayed hypersensitivity reaction to recall antigens. Primary malignant melanoma patients are randomized between surgery alone or associated to isotherapy (schedule A or B). Schedule A, after an initial improvement of surgery-induced immune deficiency, is responsible for an immunodepression, whereas schedule B determines a prolonged restoration in immune responses in melanoma and AIDS related complex or Kaposi sarcoma patients as well. In vitro effects of Isoprinosine on HTLV-III/LAV infection are presented. These data exhibit 1) the need of an immunological follow-up during isotherapy and 2) the immunological benefit of a pulse immunotherapy during acquired immunodeficiencies related to cancer surgery or to HTLV-III/LAV infection in man.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Inosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Inosine Pranobex / administration & dosage
  • Inosine Pranobex / therapeutic use*
  • Melanoma / immunology
  • Melanoma / surgery
  • Melanoma / therapy*
  • Random Allocation

Substances

  • Inosine
  • Inosine Pranobex