Immunotherapy with dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for recurrent squamous cell tumor of conjunctiva

Over the course of nine years a young man sustained repeated recurrences of a squamous papillary epithelial tumor of the conjunctiva and canaliculus. Treatment had included repeated surgical excisions, fulguration, cryotherapy, and localized applications of Thiotepa. When we examined him in 1972 he had a recurrent lesion measuring about 1 cm in diameter. Because of past failures with the above-noted therapeutic modalities, we decided to treat him with immunotherapy using the immunological adjuvant DNCB (dinitrochlorobenzene). We sensitized him systemically to DNCB by applying 2,000 microng of this agent to the skin of his forearm. A spontaneous "flare" reaction, indicative of delayed hypersensitivity, developed. Delayed hypersensitivity to DNCB was confirmed by in vitro testing of his lymphocytes for their ability to produce migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in response to DNCB. Subsequent localized application of DNCB to the conjunctival tumor resulted in rapid regression of the lesion and there has been no recurrence during a follow-up period of three years. We believe this is the first time a conjunctival tumor has been successfully treated with immunotherapy.