BCG adjuvant immunotherapy in carcinoma of the prostate: an interim report.

Twenty-eight patients with a confirmed histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the prostate received BCG immunotherapy in addition to conventional therapy. Patients receiving BCG exhibited significant changes in IgA, IgM, WBC's, acid phosphatase and in cutaneous hypersensitivity when compared to an age-related control group of prostatic cancer patients receiving only conventional therapy. Survival from the time of diagnosis was 8 months longer in patients receiving BCG. Side effects of BCG vaccination were minimal consisting of local inflammation and pruritus at the site of inoculation. There were no deaths of systemic reactions.