Intralesional Human Leukocyte Interferon Treatment Alone or Associated with IL‐2 in Non‐AIDS Related Kaposi's Sarcoma

Abstract

Patients with classical European Kaposi's sarcoma were treated by intra- and peritumoral injections of human alpha leukocyte interferon (IFN) (12 cases) or, alternatively, with IFN and naturally synthesized IL-2 (8 cases). All the patients were HIV negative with tumors which had been present for at least six months. In each patient, one tumor received 1 ml (50,000 IU) IFN alone or alternatively associated with 1 ml IL-2 twice a week for 4-6 weeks; another nodule situated 10-12 cm away was considered as a control and remained uninjected. The clinical follow-up revealed that, in the same patient in the same anatomical area, the treated nodule was cured in all the investigated cases; the untreated one was not. These data strongly suggest that IFN is the factor responsible for the involution and final cure of these Kaposi tumors treated by perilesional inoculations. Association with IL-2 (and certainly also other interleukins) increases the beneficial clinical activation of the tumor involution. Histological examination showed that important histopathological changes occur in the treated nodules: complete disappearance of the Kaposi's aspect, fibrosclerous modifications progressively replacing the fibroblasts characteristic of Kaposi's sarcoma, abundant infiltrations of leukocytes, especially lymphocytes and necrotic patches, often with hemorrhagic centers. IL-2 association seems to especially induce this last type of histological phenomenon.

Cutaneous malignancy and human immunodeficiency virus disease

“…250 Table IV summarizes the various treatment modalities. There are many different options for local treatment of a small number of lesions. 251 These include radiation, 252,253 electron beam, 254 photodynamic therapy, 255,256 liquid nitrogen, 257 intralesional vinca alkaloids, [258][259][260][261][262] intralesional interferon-a, 263,264 intralesional human chorionic gonadotropin, 265 and topical 9-cis-retinoic acid gel (alitretinoin). 266 The use of antiviral agents with activity against HHV-8 has also been considered as a therapeutic alternative.…”

Classic Kaposi's Sarcoma: A Review of 90 Cases

“…phase 1 trial employing AZT and IL-2 is currently underway (16). Ghyka treated 12 patients with classic European Kaposi's sarcoma by intra-and peritumoral injections of IFN, and 8 patients with IFN plus IL-2 (17). The combined treatment had a greater effect in promoting tumor involution.…”

The Role of Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy in Penile Kaposi’s Sarcoma: A Case Series of Three HIV-Negative HHV-8-Positive Patients

“…On the other hand, radiotherapy may be useful in large scrotal and penile lesions, but it is a time-consuming process [9]. A 50% decrease or greater was achieved in 62% of lesions for intralesional vincristine [10], 50 to 90% for intralesional interferon alpha-2 [11], 56% for imiquimod [12]. However, the evidence of efficacy of any particular therapy is of low quality and does not support recommending any particular choice.…”