Immunostimulation of patients with head and neck cancer. In vitro and preliminary clinical experiences

B. Hirsch, J. T. Johnson, B. S. Rabin and P. B. Thearle

The development of malignancy is theorized to be from failure of the immunosurveillance system. Prostaglandins (PGs), synthesized by a mononuclear cell, tumor cell, or both, enhance inhibition of competent cellular immunity. Ten patients with terminal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were treated with indomethacin, and inhibitor of PG synthesis. Two patients had a dramatic response; however, an in vitro assay and a derived-stimulation index did not correlate with the clinical response. A review of the literature and future directions are discussed.