Clinical Effects of Interferon Therapy with Special Emphasis on Antitumor Efficacy

Abstract

Both natural and recombinant interferons (IFNs) exert antitumor effects in man. Much work has to be done to construct optimal use of the IFN system. Its physiological role is not fully understood. Various IFN effects are described, all of which probably play a role for clinical effectiveness. Doses and schedules are discussed and pharmacokinetics and side-effects described. IFN therapy of benign and malignant tumor disease is pursued as clinical trials. Efficacy on various diseases is reported in the present article. Combination therapy is suggested for the future.

Effect of injected bovine interferon- I1 on oestrous cycle length and pregnancy success in sheep

“…The ewes injected with rboIFN-, in this and in the study of Nephew et ai (1990) experienced no elevation of body temperature. This result was surprising as both natural and recombinant IFNcause fever and several other serious side effects in human patients (Strander, 1989). However, any immediate rise in temperature in response to an injection may have been missed since ewes were not monitored throughout the period between injections.…”

Treatment of Gastrointestinal Endocrine Tumours with Interferon-α and Octreotide

“…Besides their antiviral activities, growth inhibition and immunomodulation are their most relevant biological effects. Interferons have demonstrated significant antitumour activity in several hematologic malignancies such as hairy cell leukemia, myeloproliferative syndromes and in low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (1). Since 1983 there have appeared several reports indicating a beneficial influence of natural and recombinant interferon-a on clinical symptoms and tumour size in patients with metastatic carcinoid syndrome (2-4).…”