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Primary explants of human malignant melanoma were utilized in the preparation of oncolysates by Newcastle disease virus. The concentrated lysate, administered parenterally, was employed in an effort to augment antitumor immunologic responses in patients with metastatic melanoma. Observed cellular changes suggested a benefit, but humoral antibody measurements were not impressive.

Melanoma cell oncolysate, prepared with Newcastle disease virus, was administered as an immunostimulant to 13 patients with metastatic melanoma. The oncolysate was well tolerated. Six treated patients evidenced a decrease in the size of skin nodules or diseased lymph nodes. Visceral lesions were not favorably influenced to any marked degree. One case of fulminating disease showed a change to slow progression and survived a year longer than was otherwise expected. Another patient, whose melanoma could not be controlled by surgery or chemotherapy, has been in complete remission for 2 years. It appears that viral oncolysate might be particularly helpful to patients with early disease.