OK-432 (picibanil) is a lyophilized
streptococcal preparation made by penicillin treatment
of the Su-strain of A-group streptococcus and it has been developed
as an immunotherapy agent for cancer.
In Japan,
OK-432 has been used since 1975 as an immunotherapy agent
for cancer. When it is administered, a strong local inflammatory
reaction is caused by activation of neutrophils and monocytes. When it is administered intraperitoneally
or intrathoracically for patients with carcinomatous peritonitis
or pleuritis, ascites and pleural effusion are decreased and adhesion
of the cavity occurs. And also, It has been known that the local
injection site of picibanil shows very strong inflammation, but
it cures without scar (fibrosis) formation.
Dr. Ogita, he was a pediatric surgeon of Kyoto Prefectural
University, paid attention to the fact that lymphangioma sometimes
heals naturally after infection and he tried OK-432 for
creating inflammation in lymphangioma and obtained a very
good result (1986). This therapy
has become a treatment of first choice for lymphangioma of infant
in Japan, because its effect is more certain than surgery
and it is safe. We first tried OK-432 injection
therapy for ranula in 1992 and confirmed that this therapy
was also valid for ranula. After that, we have used OK-432
for other cystic diseases in Head & Neck area. We will show
our method and results of intracystic OK-432 injection therapy
in this home page.
At now, OK-432 can be commercially
obtained only in Japan by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.
From Left: Product of OK-432, OK-432 with Light microscope. OK-432 with Electron microscope, Package in Japan
Regrettably, Dr. Shuhei Ogita passed away 55 years young in 2003. I deeply thank his devotion to this incredible useful treatment.
Shuhei
Ogita Fund（English and Spanish）