RT Journal
A1 Hansen RM
T1 REmission of chronic lymphocytic leukemia after smallpox vaccination-reply
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 1979
FD May 1
VO 139
IS 5
SP 603
OP 603
DO 10.1001/archinte.1979.03630420089032
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1979.03630420089032
AB In Reply.— 
    The letter by Dr Yettra reports another response of CLL to smallpox vaccination, although not as complete nor as long (our patient remains in complete remission now 4 ½ years after smallpox vaccination) as in our case. Of interest is the relatively rapid response over several months, suggesting lymphocyte destruction as the mechanism of action, rather than decreased production.Immunotherapy with any living organism is contraindicated in CLL because of risk of overwhelming infection. However, the demonstrated efficacy of vaccinia virus-lysed autochthonous tumor cell vaccine against other neoplasms is encouraging.1 In view of these two proven responses of CLL to smallpox vaccination, a pilot study in patients with CLL, with vaccinia oncolysate as treatment, seems warranted.