Immunotherapy and chemotherapy in children with neuroblastoma

Recent advances with immunotherapy in animal tumors suggested that trials with a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in human malignant tumors might be worthwhile. A pilot program with Vibrio cholera neuraminidase-treated tumor cells plus BCG was tested in 3 patients who had had chemotherapy for disseminated neuroblastoma. Two of these children were in "complete remission" after radiation therapy and chemotherapy before the administration of immunotherapy. Relapse occurred in 5-6 months in all 3 patients. These disappointing results are discussed in relation to problems of current chemotherapy in disseminated neuroblastoma including results obtained at second-look operations in patients obtaining "complete remission."