Abstract:
Phase II studies using alpha-2 interferon (INTRON) for treatment of nonhematologic malignancies are discussed. Results with INTRON as well as with other interferon products have generally been negative in most adult solid tumors (eg, breast, colon, and lung); most studies were conducted in patients with advanced disease, and the results may reflect inactivity against large bulky tumors rather than against particular tumor types. INTRON and other natural and recombinant interferon products have demonstrated high activity against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related Kaposi's sarcoma, although no agent has consistently demonstrated improvement of the underlying immunological disorder. Overall response rates of 40-50% have been reported in a number of studies for the Kaposi's sarcoma; the response rate is considerably higher in patients with early stage disease, and the responses seem to be of long duration, in contrast to results of chemotherapy. In numerous studies treatment of renal cell carcinoma with interferon has yielded a consistent, but low, response rate of around 15%; similar results have been reported for metastatic malignant melanoma. In both these settings, patients with minimal tumor burden appear to have the greatest potential for obtaining responses. Results in superficial bladder cancer (intravesicular administration) have been very encouraging; patients with carcinoma in situ received the greatest benefit. Early results with interferon in the treatment of ovarian cancer have been encouraging. These early Phase II studies demonstrated the activity of interferon when given near its maximum tolerated dose. (5 Refs)
Keywords: Antineoplastic Agents/*THERAPEUTIC USE Carcinoma, Renal Cell/THERAPY Drug Evaluation Human Interferon Type I/*THERAPEUTIC USE Kidney Neoplasms/THERAPY Melanoma/THERAPY Neoplasm Metastasis Neoplasms/*THERAPY Sarcoma, Kaposi's/THERAPY Skin Neoplasms/THERAPY MEETING PAPER
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