Abstract
The possibility of using the Su-PS skin reaction as a specific parameter of the therapeutic effect of OK-432 was studied histologically and clinically, and the following results were obtained:
1) Infiltration of T cells, macrophages, etc., centering on helper/inducer T cells, was present at the site of the Su-PS skin reaction, showing approximately the same tissue reaction as that at the site of intracutaneous administration of OK-432.
2) Changes in the Su-PS skin reaction provided a parameter for evaluating the therapeutic effect of OK-432 and the prognosis of gastric cancer.
3) The prognosis of gastric cancer was favorable when the Su-PS skin reaction was increased by more than 10 mm after surgery.
4) For evaluation of the prognosis of gastric cancer, it is important to compare the Su-PS skin reaction 6 months and 12 months after surgery with that before surgery.
These results indicate that the Su-PS skin reaction provides a parameter which specifically reflects the therapeutic effect of OK-432, and accordingly it provides an index which can be used for evaluation of the prognosis of gastric cancer during administration of OK432.
