Skin Reactivity in Patients with Cancer

Abstract
DEPRESSION of the delayed hypersensitivity response in patients with advanced cancer has been observed by a number of investigators.1 2 3 4 The chemical hapten 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) has been used widely for studies of such patients. The response can be quantitated, and almost all normal persons can be sensitized2 , 5; in addition, use of DNCB eliminates the problem of determining whether the patient has been exposed to any of the commonly used skin-test antigens. Furthermore, the majority of patients reacting to common antigens also react to DNCB.2 A correlation between reactivity to DNCB and prognosis in patients with cancer led Eilber and Morton . . .