Alterations of lesions of mycosis fungoides lymphoma by direct imposition of delayed hypersensitivity reactions

Plaque lesions of mycosis fungoides lymphoma in six patients sensitized to both 2-4 dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and S, 2-aminoethylisothiuronium (AET) were treated topically with varying doses of the chemicals to evoke delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Complete or partial clearing of lesions, lasting several months, was observed in 22 of 31 plaques treated. No clinical benefit was observed following applications of a cutaneous irritant, sodium lauryl sulfate, nor with four chemical congeners of DNCB not cross-antigenic with DNCB. Cutaneous lymphoma lesions of one patient anergic to DNCB did not regress following large topical doses of the chemical. This evidence indicates that lesions of the lymphoma mycosis fungoides may be altered significantly by delayed hypersitivity responses, an event of seeming importance to understanding the pathogenesis of this disease.