Effect of autologous mammary tumour extracts on human leukocyte migration <i>in vitro</i>

Abstract

Abstract In eight out of 22 patients with mammary carcinoma, extract of tumour tissue induced inhibition of autologous leukocyte migration in vitro, demonstrating a state of cellular (delayed type) hypersensitivity. Non‐tumorous tissue did not inhibit migration. The effect of the carcinoma extracts was not due to non‐specific toxicity, since the migration of leukocytes from matched controls was not affected by the extracts. In nine cases of benign mammary lesions, extracts of autologous mammary tissue did not induce inhibition of migration. Preliminary results of follow‐up studies in some of the carcinoma patients are reported.