Immunosurgical approach to the treatment of malignant melanoma using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)

Non-specific local immunotherapy using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was combined with additional excision of the primary melanoma. The treatment was completed by elective nodal dissection in cases of high risk invasive lesions. DNCB was also given in cases with advanced disease for the control of cutaneous lesions and disseminated metastases, respectively. Histological changes of regressed skin nodules and ways of DNCB administration are described. Comparison between surgery alone and the immunosurgical treatment was considered inappropriate at the present time due to limited number of cases.