Levels of circulating immune complexes in patients with ovarian cancer.

Sera from patients with ovarian tumours were assayed for circulating immune complexes (CIC) by four well established assays based on the interaction of immune complexes with components of the complement system. There was no difference in control, pre- or post-operative or BCG-treated patients' sera. Levels were also unchanged in sera in antigen excess. In patients with ovarian tumours therefore the measurement of CIC would appear to be of little value as a screening test, as a guide to the extent of disease, prognosis or therapy. In a small pilot therapy-trial there was no difference in the survival rate between patients with stage III and IV ovarian cancer treated with cyclophosphamide plus BCG and those who received only cyclophosphamide. Treatment with BCG was associated with postoperative pyrexia and a prolonged hospital stay.