Effect of Short-term Levamisole Therapy on Delayed Hypersensitivity

A randomized trial of short-term Levamisole treatment was undertaken in a cancer population unresponsive to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to determine whether this agent increased delayed hypersensitivity. Of 100 patients entered, 50 received Levamisole (150 mg daily x 3) during DNCB challenge. The other 50 patients were challenged but not given the drug. The conversion rate to DNCB+ was 20% (10/50) for those treated and 12% (6/50) for controls. The difference is not significant. When all 100 patients were considered there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between extent of disease and the incidence of conversion to a DNCB reactive state. Levamisole as given does not appear to have a major influence on delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity.