The Interferons and Their Use in Condyloma Acuminata

Abstract

There are three naturally occurring interferons: alfa, beta, and gamma. Alfa, derived from lymphoblastic tissue, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of condyloma acuminata (genital or venereal warts). Genital warts are caused by human papillomaviruses, of which more than 50 subtypes have been described. Traditional therapies have centered on destruction of the lesions by either cytotoxic or physical modalities. Intralesional interferon exerts its antiviral effects on infected cells without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. In general, success rates with intralesional interferon alfa are comparable to traditional modalities. There is also evidence that interferon alfa might be particularly useful in the treatment of lesions that have failed to respond to other modalities.

Buschke-Lowenstein Tumor Successful Treatment by Surgical Excision Alone: A Case Report

“…13 The topical application has proved no advantage over placebo cream. 14 Interferon injection directly in the lesion is safe and has an eradication rate of 47% to 62% 15,16 but associated with high cost and a recurrence rate up to 40%. 15 Systemic interferon may be considered for those lesions too large to be injected or excised surgically or in conjunction with other treatment to lower the recurrence rate.…”

Successful treatment of buschke-löwenstein tumour by surgical excision alone

“…Direct intratumoural interferon injection achieved eradication in 45-60% of patients, but with high recurrence rates. [8]…”

Surgical Management of Perianal Giant Condyloma Acuminatum (Buschke-Löwenstein Tumor)

“…Interferon has also been used, via topical, intralesional or even systemic route [17] . Direct intratumoral interferon injection can achieve eradication in up to 45-60% of patients, but high recurrence rates are reported [18] . Systemic administration of interferon can be performed in cases where lesions are too large to be treated with direct injection or with surgical excision with worse results [17,18] .…”