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Enhanced Growth of Fibrosarcoma in Mice Treated with Phytohemagglutinin¹

Department of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

The effect of purified phytohemagglutinin (PHA) on tumor growth was studied in mice. When PHA was given in large doses, a significant increase in tumor growth was noted. This is also associated with a significant increase in splenic weight and a decrease in thymus mass. The injection of tumor cells alone did not influence the splenic or thymic mass; however, the combination of PHA and tumor cells significantly potentiated the proliferation of the splenic tissue and the reduction of the thymic mass. It is concluded that the use of PHA as a nonspecific stimulator of the immune system is unlikely to offer any therapeutic potential in the immunotherapy of malignant disease under the experimental conditions described here.

¹ Supported by a grant from the Queen Wilhelmina Funds.

Received 11/14/72. Accepted 2/27/73.