A Novel Cure for Melanoma - Turns out a Fever could Trigger Spontaneous Regression of Cancer

In addition to sarcoma, Spronck was probably the first to treat malignant melanoma using artificially induced fever. This procedure was described previously by Busch, Fehleisen and others. Spronk observed complete tumor regression in sarcoma and melanosarcoma. This method of treatment was expounded upon by other authors and is still used today, along with numerous other therapeutic endeavors, for the treatment of malignant melanoma.


Presently, fever is considered an epiphenomenon for as yet unexplained immunologic processes which, along with other factors, have been found to accompany spontaneous regression of malignant melanoma. The other factors implicated include blood transfusions, partial or incomplete surgical intervention, vaccination or intravenous infusion of antibodies and, above all, application of immunostimulating substances. The individual case reports will be discussed later. It appears that greatly varying factors can trigger spontaneous regression of malignant melanoma.




STEPHAN MAURER, KLAUS F. KGLMEL


From the Department of Dermatology and Venerology of the Medical Faculty of the Gottingen University


CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC. 681 FIFTH A VENUE
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10022 NEWYORK 1997