Efficacy of recombinant alpha-interferon 2a and 13-cis-retinoic acid in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

These preliminary data confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the combination of 13cRA and alpha-IFN in the therapy of SqCC, also in pre-treated patients, with acceptable toxicity and good compliance.

A 2-week pretreatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid + interferon-α-2a prior to definitive radiation improves tumor tissue oxygenation in cervical cancers

“…This finding has been supported by other authors [21,27]. The cellular mechanisms by which the combination of cRA/IFN-a-2a works, however, are not yet completely understood.…”

Off-label uses of biologics in dermatology: Interferon and intravenous immunoglobulin (Part 1 of 2)

“…3,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13] A summary of these studies can be found in Table III. Interferon therapy, which produces excellent cosmetic results through minimal invasiveness and scarring, should be considered an effective alternative therapy for SCCs. The cure rate for early stage SCC with intralesional interferon alfa in one openlabel study involving 36 SCCs was 88%.…”

“…7 Systemic interferon alfa has produced 34% to 68% overall response rates in advanced SCC depending on the adjunctive therapy used. [10][11][12][13] Because of the high cost and inconvenience of interferon, it should be mainly considered in patients with poor wound healing or poor circulation, with poor hemostasis, and who could be left with deformities or decreased function caused by operation. 3 Basal cell carcinoma Interferon has been extensively studied in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).…”

Retinoids and apoptosis in cancer therapy

“…TM A subsequent study of this combi nation in patients with squamous cell carcinoma in a variety of primary sites confirmed a significant clinical response rate. 133 The mechanism for this profound clinical activity has not been clearly determined, however the interaction of retinoid-and interferon-mediated pathways could induce a variety of beneficial biological responses, including cytodifferentiation and activation of inhibitory growth factors, antiviral factors and/or apoptotic mediators. 134…”