Delayed hypersensitivity skin test in head and neck cancer

A brief introduction is given stressing the importance of host reactions against tumour specific antigens. Two groups of patients are presented. Positive tests are associated with a better prognosis in both groups. Energy is commonly associated with widespread disease, but other factors appear to be concerned as well. Immune competence is impaired soon after surgery, but as time progresses this appears to recover. Tumour bulk appears to be the biggest barrier to the immune mechanism and it would appear that the role of immunotherapy in the future will be to supplement more conventional methods of treatment, especially surgery.