Phase I study with cell wall skeleton of Nocardia rubra.

Toxicity of the cell wall skeleton of Nocardia rubra (N-CWS) was evaluated in 60 patients with lung cancer, leukemia, and malignant melanoma who were given the agent intratumorally, intrapleurally, and intradermally in doses of 100-2000 micrograms. Fever was the most common toxic effect and was more frequent after intratumoral and intrapleural doses than after intradermal doses. The other predominant reaction was skin lesions such as erythema, induration, and abscess at the injection sites.