Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
INTERFERONS (MEETING ABSTRACT)
National Conference on New Oncologic Agents. February 6-8, 1991, Dallas, TX, p. 12, 1991.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/92678023 Itri LM; R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Res. Inst., Raritan, NJ 08869-0602
Abstract:
Since their description in 1957, interferons have been the subject of extensive research. Three major classes have been identified and undergone clinical evaluation of varying degree: alpha, beta and gamma. The unique properties of antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activity led to interest in the evaluation of interferon in cancer, viral disease and various disorders characterized by derangement in immunologic function. Recombinant alfa interferon, the most extensively studied preparation, entered clinical trials in 1981. Only 5 yr later, in 1986, two pharmaceutical preparations were approved for marketing in the USA by the FDA as the treatment of choice for hairy cell leukemia. By 1990, the approved claims were expanded to include condylomata acuminata and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Recently, the FDA Advisory Committee has also recommended approval to market alfa interferon for hepatitis and gamma interferon for chronic granulomatous disease. Outside of the USA, other approved indications for use include a variety of human tumors such a malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and carcinoid tumors. Most recently, data have accumulated which suggest that the therapeutic potential of interferon may be greatly enhanced and expanded by use in combination with other biologic response modifiers, cytotoxic chemotherapeutic or antiviral agents. Specifically, combination of interferon with 5-fluorouracil for gastrointestinal carcinoma, interleukin-2 for renal cell carcinoma, 13-cis retinoic acid for squamous carcinoma of skin, and AZT for AIDS are now undergoing clinical evaluation with promising preliminary results. Interferons are rapidly assuming an important role in the management of both hematologic and solid tumors. It is therefore of increasing importance that the early positive data regarding combination therapy be reproduced using rigorous clinical trial methodology.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS/DRUG THERAPY/ *THERAPY Combined Modality Therapy Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/THERAPY Hepatitis/*THERAPY Human Interferons/*THERAPEUTIC USE Leukemia, Hairy Cell/THERAPY Neoplasms/DRUG THERAPY/*THERAPY Sarcoma, Kaposi's/ETIOLOGY/*THERAPY ABSTRACT
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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
