Phase I trial of Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I immunoperfusion
Messerschmidt, G.; Bowles, C.; Dean, D.; Parker, M.; Lester, R.; Dowling, R.; Holohan, T.; Osborne, L.; Schaff, B.F.; McCormack, K.; Corbitt, R.; Phillips, T.; Glatstein, E.; Deisseroth, A.
Cancer Treatment Reports 66(12): 2027-2031
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0361-5960 PMID: 7139644 Document Number: 185444
S. aureus Cowan I has shown antitumor activity in in vitro and in animal tumor models. It is hypothesized that this antineoplastic effect results from the interaction of protein A on the cell surface of Cowan I strain S. aureus and immunosuppressive circulating immune complexes. Therefore, 5 patients were treated with ex vivo plasma immunoperfusion over killed and fixed S. aureus Cowan I. Toxic effects were marked in all patients and appeared to be related to the plasma volume infused and rate of infusion. Toxic reactions occurred in the cardiovascular, respiratory and hematopoietic systems. No responses were observed in this phase I trial. The toxicity may be reduced if the rate of plasma infusion decreases.