Delayed hypersensitivity reactions vs chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses in women with ovarian adenocarcinoma.

Fifty-one previously untreated women with FIGO Stages III and IV ovarian adenocarcinoma underwent sequential monthly skin testing utilizing Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanian, Varidase, mumps, monilia, and a purified protein derivative Tuberculin (PPD) prior to each course of systemic chemotherapy (with or without Corynebacterium parvum). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the patients' ability to demonstrate a delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction to these sensitizing antigens and response to therapy. There was no statistically significant correlation with response to therapy and: 1) Positive pretherapy skin test reactions vs anergy to pretherapy skin tests. 2) Negative pretherapy and positive post-therapy skin tests. 3) Anergy pre- and post-therapy vs positive skin test pre- or post-therapy. 4) Age of the patient vs skin test reactivity. 5) Skin test reactivity to any one of the five antigens tested. 6) Skin test reactivity in response to therapy in those women also receiving Corynebacterium parvum. It is concluded that the battery of skin tests utilized do not predict the patient's response to systemic chemotherapy in advanced ovarian adenocarcinoma.