[Hormonal function of the thymus in malignant melanoma of the skin; the interrelation with immune system disorders]

Thymic hormonal function, as assessed by thymic serum factor (FTS) titres, is reduced in melanoma. Correlation analysis was used to show dysfunctions of this gland to play an important role in the pathogenesis of changes occurring in cellular and humoral immune responses in tumor patients. The authors make a case for treatment with biologically active factors of the thymus or thymosin-like preparations as early as in T1 melanoma.