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 doctors 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 stimulates the immune system to control HIV replication and delay opportunistic infections. Some research shows that DNCB leads to increases in T-killer (T-8 or CD8+) 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 T-helper (CD4+ 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 antiviral drugs are bad for the immune system. Despite dropping death rates from AIDS and many research reports, they argue that antiviral drugs do not lead to longer life or a better quality of life for people with HIV disease. They have 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 antiviral medications.

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 antiviral medications, of high-dose vitamins, or more than short-term use of most herbs or of 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, skin response 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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