Delayed hypersensitivity in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

ABSTRACT

Delayed hypersensitivity response to Dinitrochlorobenzine (DNCB), Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) and Candida albicans abstract (Dermatophytin 'O') was observed in 60 patients of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and 40 normal controls. The response to all these three antigens were significantly impaired in cancer patients as compared to normal controls. PPD and Dermatophytin 'O' response showed progressive decline with increasing tumour burden. Patients with well differentiated tumours responded well to all these three antigens as compared to those with poorly differentiated tumours.