Thoracic duct cannulation in a patient with lung cancer

Previously the authors demonstrated limited effectiveness of tumor specific active immunotherapy adjunct to radical surgery in patients with lung cancer. In order to improve the therapeutic effectiveness, a patient with inoperable lung carcinoma was treated with a radical surgery, tumor vaccination, and "unblocking procedures" which consisted of splenectomy and throacic duct canulation. In vitro studies demonstrated the evidence of sensitization of the patient against his own tumor, removal of blocking factor by the thoracic duct fistual from the circulation.