Fact Sheet 725 DNCB (Dinitrochlorobenzene)
WHAT IS
DNCB?
Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) is a chemical used in color
photography processing. DNCB is a "contact sensitizer", which
means that it causes an itchy red rash similar to poison oak or
poison ivy. Some health care providers have used DNCB to measure the strength
of the immune system: the greater the skin reaction to DNCB, and
the faster it shows up, the stronger the immune response.
WHAT ARE THE
BENEFITS OF DNCB?
Some researchers and community activists believe that when
DNCB is applied to the skin once a week, it stimulated the immune
system to control HIV replication and delay opportunistic
infections. Some research shows that DNCB leads to increases in
CD8 (T-killer or T-8) cells. These cells are an important part
of the immune system.
There is almost no good research on DNCB, and no recent research. Some studies
suggest that DNCB decreases the number of CD4 (T-helper or T4) cells.
WHY DO PEOPLE
WITH HIV USE DNCB?
Research on DNCB shows that it stimulates the immune system. It
has been used to treat skin lesions caused by Kaposi's Sarcoma
(KS).
Advocates of DNCB claim that it can clear up all symptoms of HIV disease, except
for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). A small group
of activists formerly known as DNCB Now! was the main supporter of this therapy.
The group was also known as ACT UP San Francisco. It is not connected with any
other ACT UP groups around the world. It seems to have disbanded.
DNCB's supporters claim that antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are bad for the immune system. Despite
dropping death rates from AIDS and many research reports, they argue that ARVs did not lead to longer life or a better quality of life for people with HIV
disease. They used civil disobedience to promote their point of view that
AIDS medications are poison and should not be used.
HOW IS DNCB
USED?
DNCB is available as a liquid solution in four strengths: 10%,
2%, 0.2%, and 0.02%. The solution is applied on the skin once a
week to a 2-inch square area. Then the area is bandaged and
should be kept dry for 10 hours. After the first skin response (a
red, itchy rash), the strength of the DNCB solution is
lowered.
Instructions for using DNCB originally provided by DNCB Now!
say that most other therapies could prevent it from working. This
includes long-term acupuncture, most herbs if used for more than
a few days, high doses of vitamins, and ARVs.
These controversial instructions made it difficult for most people to try to use
DNCB, especially since there is almost no research to support its use.
WHAT ARE THE
SIDE EFFECTS?
The first application of DNCB may produce a chemical "burn" in
addition to the normal itchy rash. The rash occurs each time DNCB
is applied and lasts for a few days. Some people have persistent
scarring or rashes where they apply DNCB. It may also cause
sensitivity to other chemicals.
No other side effects have been reported. However, DNCB has not
been carefully studied in any large clinical trials. Long-term
side effects are unknown, although one study suggested that DNCB
might cause cancer.
HOW DOES DNCB
INTERACT WITH OTHER THERAPIES?
DNCB advocates believe that almost every other HIV therapy
reduces the action of DNCB. They do not recommend the use of any
ARVs, of high-dose vitamins, or more than
short-term use of most herbs or acupuncture.
HOW DO WE KNOW
IT WORKS?
There is very little research to support the benefits of DNCB and no recent research.
No study on DNCB has started with more than 24 patients, and many patients dropped
out of the studies. However, some studies continued for over two years. DNCB seems
to restore immune responses in the skin that are lost as AIDS develops. However, these
skin responses may not be a good indicator of overall immune health. Because DNCB
is very inexpensive and can not be patented, it is very difficult to find a sponsor
to pay for clinical trials.
THE BOTTOM
LINE
DNCB is a "contact sensitizer" that stimulates one part of the immune
system. There is almost no research to support its use. However, there used to
be a small group of AIDS activists called ACT UP San Francisco that strongly supported
the use of DNCB.
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