[Cryotherapy of rectal cancer. Immunologic results]

On the basis of experimental studies carried out in animals several authors could demonstrate that cryotherapy is able to induce a raise of auto- and tumour-antibodies. The specificity of these reactions has been proved. Comparative analysis could verify greater immune response after 'in situ-destruction' of tumours than after conventional surgical excision. In 13 patients cryosurgically treated for inoperable rectal carcinoma a raised concentration of IgG and IgA could be shown in several patients in the area surrounding the carcinomatous cells by means of a direct immune fluorescent technique in biopsies of the tumour. Immune globulines of the class IgA seemed to be important. Our results suggest a probable correlation of immune response and clinical course. The prognostic value of our method has to be examined in a larger group of patients and laboratory experiments. Cryotherapy can be regarded as one of several possible forms of treatment to brake the barrier of immunity in cancer patients.