Leukocyte Interferon-Induced Tumor Regression in Human Metastatic Breast Cancer, Multiple Myeloma, and Malignant Lymphoma

Abstract

Thirty-eight patients with advanced breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and malignant lymphoma were treated with partially purified (about 0.1%) leukocyte interferon. Patients were treated with a remission-induction schedule of 3 million to 9 million antiviral units daily intramuscularly for 4 to 26 weeks. Responding patients were maintained on a schedule of 3 million U three times weekly. Tumor regression was observed in seven of 17 patients with breast cancer. Six of 10 patients with multiple myeloma responded with a decrease of at least 50% in serum myeloma protein levels or Bence Jones protein excretion. Six of the 11 lymphoma patients achieved tumor regression. Complete remissions occurred in two patients. Of the 19 responding patients, five remain on study for 52 to 63 weeks. Toxicity included low-grade fever, fatigue, anorexia, and partial alopecia. Myelosuppression (lowest median leukocyte count, 2500/mm3; granulocytes, 1300/mm3) occurred in most patients. On the basis of this pilot study, we conclude that leukocyte interferon can induce tumor regression in patients with advanced cancer.

Survival, response and immune effects in a prospectively randomized study of dose strategy for alpha-N1 interferon

“…Early reports of encouraging objective response rates for alpha interferons in breast carcinoma (Borden et al, 1982;Gutterman et al, 1980) have not been repeated in our own experience (Table II). This discrepancy may in part reflect the predominance in our study of late stage patients.…”

The failure of human leukocyte interferon to influence the growth of human glioma cell populations: in vitro and in vivo studies

“…Recent results suggest that treatment of some tumour types with various preparations of Interferon (IFN) might result in occasional clinical success (Gutterman et al, 1980). Experimental support for this suggestion derives, in part, from the observations that IFNs were found capable of inhibiting the in vitro growth of a wide variety of both normal and malignant cell types (Balkwill & Oliver, 1977).…”

Utilization of Interferon in Gynecologic and Breast Cancer

“…There is evidence that the expression of IRF1 and IRF2 is altered in breast cancer in relation to normal breast tissue (Doherty GM et al 2001). Some studies have shown positive responses in breast cancer treatment when interleukins were used in association with IFN (Gutterman JU et al 1980;Borden EC et al 1982).…”