Immunologic manipulation of DMBA tumorigenesis in hamster cheek pouch by DNCB contact hypersensitivity

Hamster cheek pouches were sensitized with the potent allergen DNCB either before the initiation of DMBA tumorigenesis or by direct application to already developed tumors. Among animals treated prior to tumorigenesis induction there was an apparent delay in onset of tumors and decreased rate of tumor growth. Direct application of DNCB to already established tumors seemed to temporarily arrest tumor growth; later, however, tumor growth rate resumed to approximately that in untreated control animals. It is concluded that DNCB contact hypersensitivity may exert some influence on the DMBA tumorigenesis process as manifested by delay in tumor onset or by temporarily retarding growth of established tumors. It appears that DNCB sensitization prior to tumorigenesis is generally more effective than DNCB applied after tumor development.