Abstract: Disclosed is a novel carcinostatic composition comprising 4,6-0-benzylidene-D-glucopyranose as the active ingredient. This active ingredient exerts a very high carcinostatic activity according to a specific carcinostatic mechanism quite different from that of conventional carcinostatic chemotherapeutic agents. The active ingredient is very low in toxicity and is highly stable and water-soluble. This composition is effective against selected malignant conditions which are carcinoma of the colon, cancer of the stomach, cancer of the tongue, peritonitis carcinomatosa, cancer of the liver and malignancies induced by SV.sub.40 virus.

Abstract: A treatment of malignant tumors by administration of therapeutic compositions comprising the chemical compound "glucan".

Abstract: Prevention and therapeutics of bacterial infections based on the activation of the reticuloendothelial system with glucan having .beta.-1, 3-linkage in the main chain, the derivatives and partially hydrolysed product thereof.