Delayed hypersensitivity responses of cancer patients to recall antigens using a new 'Multitest' applicator

Testing of delayed-type hypersensitivity to recall antigens is acknowledged to be a useful assessment of cell-mediated immunity in cancer patients. The conventional method, however, has suffered from a lack of standardized antigens and variability owing to the method of application of the recall antigens. The Multitest-CMI system by the Merieux Institute offers an alternative. It employs standardized antigens and a single-stroke applicator, which is simpler to use and presumably subject to less variation. The present study compares the conventional and Multitest batteries done over an 8-month period in 403 cancer patients. The results suggest that the Multitest is easier to administer and is tolerated better by patients than the conventional method. Furthermore, the Multitest can detect recall antigen anergy or reactivity and correlates well in degrees of reactivity to the individual test battery. Consequently, Multitest-CMI can be substituted for the conventional battery in skin testing for immunocompetence in cancer patients.