[Immune reactions in breast cancer patients (author's transl)]

Immunological reactivity was studied in 76 breast cancer patients taking into consideration the extent of disease and mode of treatment. The following tests were used: delayed hypersensitivity skin reaction after application of tissue antigens from mammary cancer and embryonal tissues prepared by Westphal's method (Silber's modification), tuberculin and 2,4-dinitrochlorbenzene (DCNB). Humoral immune reactivity was evaluated with a mikroprecipitation test using antigens from fetal, tumorous and spleen cells. Tests were performed before and after treatment. The results confirm that positive skin reactions are found mostly in stage I and II. In advanced stages depression of all immune reactions was seen. Some changes of immune reactivity depend on the mode of treatment. Immune competence was not depressed by surgical treatment and the most distinct immune depression was provoked by cytostatic chemotherapy. Our observations suggest that the cytostatics Thiophosphamid, Cyclophosphamid and Fluorouracil are immundepressants.