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Transfer factor: A potential agent for immunotherapy of cancer

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Abstract

Transfer factor (TF) is an extract from human leukocytes which has been shown to transfer specific skin test reactivity to previously nonreactive human recipients, and to produce measurable increases in in Vitro tests of lymphocyte activity. The results of the experimental use of TF as an immunotherapeutic agent for cancer are reviewed. TF therapy has been associated with tumor regression, temporary stabilization or reduced need for other treatment modalities in several reported cancer patients, and may have value as an adjuvant therapy in certain malignancies. However, most of the reports involve uncontrolled studies, and no agreement exists about the definition of TF donors. Controlled studies and the use of well characterized TF donors are essential before any conclusions can be drawn about the value of TF in the therapy of cancer and other diseases.

Résumé

Le facteur de transfert (TF) est un extrait de leucocytes humains. Il a été démontré qu'il transfère à l'homme anergique une capacité de réaction cutanée spécifique et qu'il augmente la réponse des tests d'activité lymphocytaire in vitro. Le TF a été utilisé, à titre expérimental, pour l'immunothérapie anticancéreuse. Dans plusieurs cas, l'administration de TF a été suivie de régression de tumeurs, de stabilisation temporaire, et l'on a également observé qu'il était possible, sous TF, de réduire les autres besoins thérapeutiques. Le TF est donc peut-Être valable en tant que thérapeutique adjuvante de certains cancers. Cependant, la plupart des travaux publiés sont des études non contrÔlées, et il n'existe aucun accord quant aux critères de définition du donneur de TF. Il sera impossible de tirer des conclusions quant à la valeur des traitements par TF dans le cancer ou d'autres maladies, aussi longtemps que des études contrÔlées n'auront pas été réalisées et que les caractères des donneurs de TF ne seront pas définis.

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  1. Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA

    C. Richard Meier M.D. & Albert F. LoBuglio M.D.

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  1. C. Richard Meier M.D.
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  2. Albert F. LoBuglio M.D.
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Meier, C.R., LoBuglio, A.F. Transfer factor: A potential agent for immunotherapy of cancer. World J. Surg. 1, 617–621 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01556190

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