Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
UNPROVEN AGENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION
AIDS Updates; 1(2):1-10 1988. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/89657616 Henochowicz S; Hoth D; AIDS Program, Natl. Inst. of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,; Bethesda, MD
Abstract:
Treatment strategies for AIDS, to date, have focused on development of (1) antiretroviral agents against the primary HIV infection and its sequelae, (2) anti-infectives useful in either preventing or treating secondary opportunistic infections, (3) biologic response modifiers that can effectively restore immune function or stimulate antiretroviral host response, and (4) antitumor agents effective against such HIV-associated malignancies as Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Widely used agents and therapies for AIDS are described, many of which are available through 'underground' means: AL-721, AL-721 'workalikes' ('home' formula version of AL-721, 'Eggsact'), dextran sulfate, ribavirin, peptide-T, isoprinosine, diethylthiocarbamate/disulfiram, dinitrochlorobenzene, typhoid vaccine, Procaine-polyvinylpyrrolidone, Carrisyn (Acemannan, Carrington Laboratories), naltrexone, Imreg-I, ampligen, 'living food' diets, vitamin C, and 'holistic' remedies. Some of these remedies have been subjected to controlled trials, and sometimes in vitro studies as well, but many of the agents have not been tested at all and are marketed through publications and advocacy groups. Although a few of the agents exhibit in vitro activity, none has been shown to have a clinical effect so far. The widespread use of these agents by patients (pts) potentially compromises controlled trials of other agents and subjects the pt to significant expense and possible adverse effects. Pts also may be encouraged by proponents of these remedies to avoid using agents of proven utility, thus compromising their survival. Physicians who treat pts with HIV infection should be aware of the agents being self-administered when clinical assessments are made. The development of new, effective agents and good communication between the scientific/medical community and pt groups should help curtail the widespread use of unproven agents. (95 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS/*DRUG THERAPY Adjuvants, Immunologic/*THERAPEUTIC USE Anti-Infective Agents/THERAPEUTIC USE Antineoplastic Agents/*THERAPEUTIC USE Antiviral Agents/*THERAPEUTIC USE Drug Evaluation Human HIV/*DRUG EFFECTS Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's/DRUG THERAPY Opportunistic Infections/DRUG THERAPY Sarcoma, Kaposi's/DRUG THERAPY JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL 891230
M89C0822
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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
