Transfer of in vitro cytotoxicity against osteogenic sarcoma cells

Evidence of lymphocyte cytotoxicity against osteosarcoma, suggesting a degree of cell-mediated immunity, was found in the mother of a patient with osteogenic sarcoma. The mother was found to be HL-A identical to the patient and therefore was an ideal donor for whole lymphocytes. Lymphocytes were obtained from the mother by leukophoresis and were administered to the patient. Lymphocytotherapy transferred or re-established a delayed hypersensitivity response to mumps antigen and transferred the ability of killing osteogenic sarcoma cells in vitro. There was slight improvement in the patients' clinical condition coincident with the establishment of lymphocytoxicity in the patient. Loss of this capacity coincided with a rapid deterioration of the patient's condition.