Randomized, surgical adjuvant clinical trial of recombinant interferon alfa-2a in selected patients with malignant melanoma.

Abstract

Our findings indicate trends that suggest a possible benefit for selected patients with high-risk malignant melanoma. The results will require further study in a larger patient population for confirmation.

Malignant Melanoma S3‐Guideline “Diagnosis, Therapy and Follow‐up of Melanoma”

“…In stage III disease, one of three high-dose therapeutic trials showed a significant improvement of progression-free survival, and another trial demonstrated improved survival in the initial evaluation [397,399,400]. Concerning low-dose therapy in stage III disease, only one of 6 trials revealed improvement in progression-free and overall survival [375,396,399,[401][402][403].…”

Adjuvant therapy for melanoma: How should we respond to high-dose interferon?

“…three times a week for 12 weeks. At median follow-up of 6.1 years, neither disease-free nor overall survival were significantly greater with treatment (Creagan et al, 1995).…”

Adjuvant interferon in the treatment of melanoma

“…Both the ECOG and Intergroup studies indicate this, and there was a similar trend in a smaller North Central Cancer Treatment Group high dose study (Creagan et al, 1995). However, around four-fifths of patients treated with high-dose interferon experience moderate or severe toxicity.…”