An Unusual Metastatic Lesion in a Patient with Osteosarcoma Receiving Tumor Specific Transfer Factor

Publisher Summary This chapter demonstrates results of experiments undertaken to study an unusual metastatic lesion in a patient with osteosarcoma receiving tumor specific transfer factor (TSTF). It was observed that tumor bearing patients who are given injections of TSTF frequently report side effects that are consistent with lymphocytic infiltrates around the areas of the tumors. The tests suggest that some giant cell tumors of bone are osteosarcomas with a vigorous host response, manifested by the giant cells. The experiments reveal that degeneration of giant cell tumor of bone to malignant sarcomas is not uncommon. The fact that such degeneration is frequently seen following local radiation of the tumor, a process known to sharply depress the cellular immune system, suggests that giant cell tumors of bone represent a marginal situation in which the immune system delicately controls and prevents potential metastatic events. The results also suggest that TSTF therapy increased the immunologic response of the host against the tumor, thereby altering the natural course of the disease.