Interferons in the Therapy of Solid Tumors

Agarwala, Sanjiv S.; Kirkwood, John M.

doi:10.1159/000227327

Cited by 35 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…The mechanism of high‐dose IFN has been attributed to T‐cell activities, but it requires more careful study. Taking into consideration that IFN has been used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and melanoma with variable response rates ranging from 4 to 26% (147), elucidating why patients respond is clearly important. It remains possible that the restoration of immune functions observed after IFN therapy is a consequence of the reduction of tumor burden caused by the cytokine.…”

Section: Cytokines In Cancer Immunotherapymentioning

confidence: 99%

Cytokines in cancer immunity and immunotherapy

Smyth

Cretney

Kershaw

et al. 2004

Immunological Reviews

357

256

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The concept that the immune system recognizes and controls cancer was first postulated over a century ago, and cancer immunity has continued to be vigorously debated and experimentally tested. Mounting evidence in humans and mice supports the involvement of cytokines in tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. The idea that the immune system detects stressed, transformed, and frankly malignant cells underpins much of the excitement currently surrounding new cytokine therapies in cancer treatment. In this review, we define the contrasting roles that cytokines play in promoting tumor immunity, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. We also discuss the more promising aspects of clinical cytokine use in cancer patients.

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Section: Cytokines In Cancer Immunotherapymentioning

confidence: 99%

Cytokines in cancer immunity and immunotherapy

Smyth

Cretney

Kershaw

et al. 2004

Immunological Reviews

357

256

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“…In regard to the rationale for choosing a 5‐day continuous subcutaneous injection of 2500 × 10 4 IU of IFN, we firstly wanted to administer IFN at a dose equivalent to successive intramuscular injection of 500 × 10 4 IU of IFN, 18 via continuous subcutaneous injection of IFN, for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with bony metastases. Secondly, Infuser, a device for continuous, subcutaneous injection of IFN, was available for this clinical trial and this product was intended for the subcutaneous injection of IFN for up to five consecutive days.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multi‐modal treatment of primarily using continuous subcutaneous interferon‐α injection in combination with surgery and/or radiotherapy

Maruoka¹,

Fujimura²,

Kawamura³

et al. 2005

Int J of Urology

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Purpose : Thirty-nine renal cell carcinoma patients with bony metastasis were intensively treated, primarily with immunotherapy using natural type interferon-a (IFN-a ) continuous subcutaneous injection in combination with surgical resection and radiation therapy. Long-term survival was achieved, including three patients with complete response. The results of this study are presented. Methods : The mode of administration of IFN-a was as follows: natural-type IFN-a (25 000 000 IU) was dissolved in 60 mL of distilled water and administered via continuous subcutaneous injection (0.5 mL/h) as 'one course of the treatment'. Two courses of IFN-a therapy were given 2 weeks preoperatively, while 13 courses of IFN-a therapy were given postoperatively (one course per week). Thus, 15 courses of IFN-a therapy were administered during the trial period. Thereafter, IFN-a therapy was repeated either every week or every other week depending on the condition of the patient. Additionally, blood levels of IFN-a were monitored for four patients following initiation of IFN-a continuous subcutaneous injection therapy.Results : Immediately after injection of IFN-a , blood levels of IFN-a started to rise, reaching 40.5 IU/mL on average at 24 h after initiation of IFN-a therapy. Thereafter, blood levels of IFN-a remained high and measurable blood levels of IFN-a were maintained for up to 24 h after completion of IFN-a injection. As a whole, IFN-a was detectable for 6-8 days and Cmax (maximum blood concentration of IFN) was 167 IU/mL. Thirty-nine patients with bony metastases were treated as follows: IFN mono-therapy (19 patients), IFN and radiation therapy (15 patients) and IFN and surgical resection of bony metastases (five patients). Fourteen patients survived and the details of these 14 patients are as follows: complete reponse in three cases, partial response in two, no change in six and progressive disease in three. Twenty-five patients died of renal cell carcinoma. The overall 5-year survival rate was 35.0%. Conclusions : These findings indicate that IFN-a continuous subcutaneous injection therapy is a useful modality for renal cell carcinoma patients with bony metastasis if administered in combination of radical nephrectomy and radiation therapy.

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“…Although IFNα exerts antitumor activity in several tumors, including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and hematological malignancies, IFNα has not been effective as systemic therapy for advanced solid tumors, including lung carcinoma. ( 26 ) The impressive effects of IFNα have been in the management of recurrent malignant pleural effusion, where it has provided clinical and pathological improvement. Even in the case of melanoma, tumors from different patients vary greatly in their sensitivity to IFNα therapy, with some being more or less susceptible and others being completely resistant.…”

Section: Combination Therapy With Cotylenin a And Interferon‐αmentioning

confidence: 99%