Immunotherapy of chemically-induced tumors in the hamster cheek pouch with dinitrochlorobenzene

Immune stimulation with an agent such as dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) may delay chemical carcinogenesis. Dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) was used to chemically induce tumors in the hamster buccal pouch. Hamsters were studied for the effect of DNCB sensitization in the buccal pouch prior to or after DMBA tumor induction. At appropriate time intervals the hamsters were sacrificed and each cheek pouch was examined histologically for the development of DMBA-induced tumors and for the presence of lymphoid cells infiltrating the tumor site. The results show that DNCB immunotherapy or immunoprophylaxis prior to or following DMBA tumor induction can alter the type of tumor produced and stimulate an infiltration of lymphoid cells into the tumor area probably invoking immune defense mechanisms.