ABSTRACT Egg-white lysozyme (from hen egg) is known to show therapeutic activity based on its ability to control the growth of susceptible bacteria and to modulate host immunity against infections and depressions of immune responses. This latter effect is responsible for the control of tumour growth and metastasis formation in experimental models of solid metastasising tumours. It appears a good relationship between reduction of tumour metastases (small masses of tumour that are much more susceptible of modulation by immunity than the primary tumours from which they arise) and amelioration of the reactivity of immune cells of hosts treated with lysozyme or with its derivative mPEG-Lyso. Considering the absence of toxicity of lysozyme administered by the oral route, and in the light of the positive effects observed in the few experiences in which this substance was used for the treatment of cancer patients in order to recover from the decline of immune functions due to tumour growth and anticancer treatments, it is suggested that a wider use will allow to determine the real benefit of this treatment for human health and care.
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