Reactions to dinitrochlorobenzene in patients with neuroblastoma and survival

To determine the relationship of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to survival, I studied 67 children with the histologically confirmed diagnosis of neuroblastoma. CMI was measured by testing the ability of patients to develop sensitization to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and to respond to challenge. Reactions at the challenge sites were considered positive only when induration and swelling were present. Ninety percent of the patients with localized neuroblastoma and 27% of those with disseminated neuroblastoma were DNCB reactive. This suggested that patients with DNCB-positive reactions have a better chance of survival than those who are DNCB negative. Some patients with disseminated disease were evaluated in longitudinal studies, and alterations in reactivity did occur with changes in disease status and/or chemotherapy. The suggestion was made that this test systme is potentially useful in estimating survival in children with neuroblastoma.