Inoperable Sarcoma Cured by Mixed Toxines of Erysipelas

Abstract

The topic of this surgical clinic is the use of mixed toxins of erysipelas in the treatment of sarcomas. Dr. William Coley presented a case of inoperable sarcoma of the shoulder in which mixed toxins of erysipelas produced a “cure.”

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

A woman, forty-two years old; married. Her paternal grandmother died of cancer of the breast.

Clinical Characteristics

She first noticed a hard lump a little below the left clavicle. This grew rapidly in size, and early in december 1895, she consulted dr. Stores, of hartford. The tumor then had reached the size of a small orange, and extended into the axilla, and was so adherent to the vessels that after a consultation with dr. Mcknight, one of the other attending surgeons to the hartford hospital, it was decided to be entirely inoperable. The patient was rapidly losing flesh and strength.

Remission Characteristics

Soon after the treatment was begun the tumor began to shrink in size, and later to break down in places. This process became more rapid after the stronger solution was begun. By the latter part of march, 1896, the tumor had entirely disappeared, the patient had begun to gain rapidly in flesh and strength, and in a few months had entirely regained her twenty-five pounds of lost weight. She is at present in perfect health, and careful examination fails to reveal any trace of the tumor or any glandular enlargement.

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

A preparation of the mixed toxins of erysipelas and bacillus prodigiosus, made at the loomis laboratory by mr. B. H. Button, was obtained, and the injections were begun december 16, 1895, as directed by dr. Coley. Small doses were given, and no chill was obtained until december 29. The injections were given daily or at intervals of two days up to february 8, forty-eight injections having been given with a result of fourteen distinct chills; the dose was eight minims of the mixed unfiltered toxins. On february 9 a stronger solution from more virulent cultures was obtained, which produced severe reactions in doses of two or three minims. The treatment was discontinued on march 17, 1896, since which time no further treatment has been given.