Immunomodulation with thiabendazole: a review of immunologic properties and efficacy in combined modality cancer therapy.

Thiabendazole (TBZ) appears to be an immunorestorative agent, demonstrating maximum immunopotentiation in the immunosuppressed host. Initial in vivo and in vitro immune studies indicate that the drug is most effective when given 24 hours prior to or at the time of administration of antigen. Single doses are more effective than multiple daily doses. One cell population potentiated by TBZ is the macrophage, either by direct activation or secondary to increased lymphokine production. As an adjuvant to conventional cancer treatment modalities, TBZ needs the same host setting as seen with many immunopotentiators. Tumor bulk must be reduced by the primary modality. A dose schedule must be developed in conjunction with each primary modality employed, ie, timing is critical. As an adjuvant in cancer therapy, the drug is most effective when given every other day. Depending upon the primary modality employed, adjuvant TBZ may require dose adjustment.