Tumor-Specific Rejection Associated with Killed Corynebacterium parvum

Abstract

Undoubtedly, the injection of immunostimulant adjuvants, such as the living attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis (commonly known as BCG) and killed Corynebacterium parvum vaccine, has been known to protect experimental animals against tumor growth subsequent to the inoculation of tumor cells. Subsequent studies by Zbar et al. (1970) revealed that BCG totally prevented tumor cells from growing in recipients, provided the BCG was admixed with the living tumor cells prior to their intradermal inoculation in the recipients. BCG was also observed to result in the destruction of tumor cells if it was infiltrated directly into established growing intradermal [at a site that promotes tumor growth, as well as rejection (Gross, 1943)] nodules (Zbar et al.,1971). However, BCG was ineffective if the microorganisms were killed prior to injection or if they were injected into the host at sites other than the transplanted tumor itself. (Bartlett et al., 1972). Reproducible results were obtained only in intradermal tumors which had not involved more deeply, nor formed metastases. Efficacy also required well-functioning and responsive immune systems in the host (Zbar, 1972).