Background
- Transfer factor is defined as a substance in white blood cells that can transfer immunity from an immune or sensitized person to a nonimmune or nonsensitized individual. White blood cells are lysed, or burst, and the contents are processed into a tablet or injection. A skin test can be carried out to learn whether immunity has been transferred from one person to the other. The structure and mechanism of action of transfer factor are unknown.
- Transfer factor may be made from blood cells of normal healthy people, from individuals who been infected with a virus, such as herpes, or from individuals who are long-time survivors of specific diseases, such as bone cancer.
- Transfer factor has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, infections, and immune system disorders. High quality evidence supporting the use of transfer factor for any condition in humans is currently unavailable.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
- Corrado F, Pizza G, de Vinci C, et al. [Immunotherapy with transfer factor in hormone-resistant metastasized carcinoma of the prostate]. Arch Esp Urol 1989; 42 Suppl 2:191-6. View Abstract
- Espinosa Padilla SE, Orozco S, Plaza A, et al. [Effect of transfer factor on treatment with glucocorticoids in a group of pediatric patients with persistent moderate allergic asthma] Revista alergia Mexico 2009;56(3): 67-71. View Abstract
- Göring HD, Ott D, Schwalm I, et al. [Cellular immune defect and transfer factor therapy in epidermolysis bullosa simplex of the Weber-Cockayne type]. Dermatologische Monatschrift [Dermatol Monatsschr] 1988;174 (1):10-3. View Abstract
- Hana I, Vrubel J, Pekarek J, et al. The influence of age on transfer factor treatment of cellular immunodeficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome and/or chronic viral infections. Biotherapy 1996; 9(1-3):91-5. View Abstract
- Iseki M, Aoyama T, Koizumi Y, et al. [Effects of transfer factor on chronic hepatitis B in childhood]. KansenshÅgaku Zasshi. The Journal Of The Japanese Association For Infectious Diseases [Kansenshogaku Zasshi] 1989;63 (12):1329-32. View Abstract
- Mastromatteo V, Negri L, Pacchioni D, et al. [Effects of transfer factor on the number of circulating lymphocytes in patients with spinocellular carcinoma of the cervicofacial area]. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1987;63(11):1043-50. View Abstract
- Metzner G, Fricke HJ, Schröder D, et al. [Human transfer factor. II. Clinical results with the large pool transfer factor]. Folia Haematol Int Mag Klin Morphol Blutforsch 1983;110 (4):526-39. View Abstract
- Negri L, Pacchioni D, Calabrese F, et al. [Changes in circulating lymphocytes and "E" rosettes in patients with colonic neoplasms treated with transfer factor]. Bollettino Della Società Italiana Di Biologia Sperimentale [Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper] 1987;63(11): 1051-8. View Abstract
- Orozco TT, Solano MO, Sandoval G, et al. [Inflammatory mediators in patients with atopic dermatitis after treatment with transfer factor]. Rev Alerg Mex 2004;51(4):151-4. View Abstract
- Paganelli R, Soothill JF, Marshall WC, et al. Transfer factor and cytomegalovirus viruia. Lancet 1981;8214:273-4). View Abstract
- Pilotti V, Mastrorilli M, Pizza G, et al. Transfer factor as an adjuvant to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy. Biotherapy 1996;9(1-3): 117-21. View Abstract
- Sosa M, Flores G, Estrada S, et al. [Comparative treatment between thalidomide and transfer factor in severe atopic dermatitis]. Rev Alerg Mex 2001;48(2):56-64. View Abstract
- Simko M, Mokrán V, Nyulassy S. [Immunomodulatory therapy of epilepsy with transfer factor]. Bratisl Lek Listy 1997; 98(4):234-7. View Abstract
- Valdés Sánchez AF, Fernández Ortega C, Gómez EcheverrÃa AH, et al. [Atopic dermatitis. Treatment with transfer factor. A controlled clinical trial]. Rev Alerg 1991;38(6):158-62). View Abstract
- Wagner G, Knapp W, Gitsch E, et al. Transfer factor for adjuvant immunotherapy in cervical cancer. Cancer Detect Prev Suppl 1987;1:373-6. View Abstract