[The prognostic significance of the immune status (DNCB-test) in patients with carcinoma of the bladder, checked by observation of the course of disease (author's transl)].

On the basis of three years of observation of 48 patients with histologically verified carcinoma of the bladder, a correlation was established between the immune profile (DNCB-test) and the clinical stage. Whereas in early stages of the tumour no correlation could be found between the results of the skin test and the subsequent development of the disease, in invasive advanced carcinoma the prognostic aspect was more favourable when the results of the DNCB-test was positive. The indication for radical cystectomy can be supported by the results of the DNCB-test in addition to staging and grading. Infiltrative growth and negative DNCB-test are indications for cystectomy, whereas a positive immune status seems to justify a observant attitude and endoscopic controls.