The presence of delayed hypersensitivity reactions in patients toward cellular extracts of their malignant tumors 2.A correlation between the histologic picture of lymphocyte infiltration of the tumor stroma, the presence of such a reaction, and a discussion of the significance of this phenomenon

A correlation is made between the degree of stromal infiltration of a tumor by lymphocytes and the presence of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction in a patient toward cellular extracts of his own tumor, injected intradermally. A literature review has suggested that patients with such lymphocytic infiltration have a good prognosis. The relative inefficiency of such a cellular defense mechanism is noted. In the light of our present knowledge of lymphocyte destruction of target cells, we propose that nonspecific antigen stimulus may improve such a defense mechanism. Evidence in support of this is taken from experimental animal systems and the history of medicine and, in particular, from the work of Dr. W. B. Coley.