Intralymphatic administration of BCG in melanoma patients

From November 1973 to December 1974, 20 patients with advanced malignant melanoma were treated with BCG given by intralymphatic route at the Cancer Institute of Milan. The lyophilized Pasteur BCG was used. Patients were treated with a single dose ranging from 0.2a��80 mg. Patients’ performance status was never severely impaired.

The most frequent side effects were fever, lymphangitis, and lymph node enlargement.

Variations were observed in white cell count, ERS and immunoglobulins; in no case did we find evidence of liver toxicity or tumor growth enhancement. It is concluded that the intralymphatic route is a safe way of administrating BCG.