[Hormonal function of the thymus gland in melanoma of the skin: relation to functional disorders of other endocrine glands].

The analysis of correlations between levels of epiphyseal, hypophyseal, adrenocortical and gonadal hormones suggested functional disorders developing in these glands to be interdependent and account for dysfunction of the thymus and immune system in patients suffering malignant melanoma. The degree of relationship between pituitary-adrenal system and thymus function disorders increased with tumor size; it was more pronounced in males. The rationale for application of pineal gland preparations in melanoma patients aimed at combatting neuroendocrine disorders is discussed.