Use of Recombinant Interferon Alfa-2b in the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Several neoplasms including cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, malignant melanoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma have been successfully treated with systemic or intralesional interferons (IFNs). Recently, intralesional α-IFN has also been employed in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of IFN alfa-2b in the treatment of BCC. Methods: 140 patients with BCC were treated with intra- und perilesional injections of recombinant IFN alfa-2b at a dosage of 1.5–3 × 10⁶ IU, three times a week for 4–8 weeks. Results: Complete response was achieved in 94 patients (67.1%), partial response in 33 patients (23.6%) and no response in 13 patients (9.3%). Side effects included fever, headache, fatigue and nausea but were reversible with the use of paracetamol. None of the patients discontinued therapy due to side effects. After a mean follow-up period of 36 months (12–54 months) no relapse has been observed. Conclusion: Based on our results, intra- and perilesional IFN alfa-2b represents an effective, alternative treatment for BCC.

Liposome-mediated gene transfer into human basal cell carcinoma

“…To address this need, we have begun to develop methods to enhance gene expression in a disease model where local protein production has provided clinical efficacy. 3,9 Recombinant IFN-␣ has been used with some success in BCC, but is often limited by the need to repeat injections required to sustain durable remissions. In this study, we have analyzed the potential of gene delivery to provide for more sustained IFN production locally.…”

“…3,9 To analyze the effects of recombinant IFN gene expression, cDNAs encoding human IFN subtypes ␣2, ␣4, ␣7, ⍀1, and mouse IFN ␣2 and ␣7 were prepared by RT-PCR from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and inserted into the same CMV-regulated eukaryotic expression vector. These plasmids were transiently transfected into human melanoma cells, which are not responsive to IFN, and supernatants were analyzed for their biological activity with an interferon-responsive element (IRE) reporter, IRE-CAT, in Jurkat T-leukemia cells.…”

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Multiple intralesional injections of IFN-␣2 over a 3-week period induced overall remission rates of 70 to 100%. 3,9 Increased numbers of CD4 + T cells surrounding the BCC infiltrating tumor island in the dermis have been observed after intralesional IFN-␣ therapy. [10][11][12] It has also been shown previously that the number of antigenpresenting cells (APC) expressing HLA-DR and CD1a is reduced in BCC, compared with normal human skin.…”

Regression of basal cell carcinoma by intralesional interferon-alpha treatment is mediated by CD95 (Apo-1/Fas)-CD95 ligand-induced suicide.

“…Using intralesional IFN-alpha over a 3-wk period the overall success rate in most trials was between 70 and 100% (3,10). The mechanism by which intralesional IFN-alpha produces regression of BCC is not clear.…”

Facial skin cancers: general information and an overview of treatment methods

“…• chemotherapy -5% ointment of 5-fluorouracyl for superficial BCC [41], bleomycin [42], interferon α -experimentally in BCC and SCC [43]; • radiation therapy (teleradiotherapy, brachytherapy) -good cosmetic result, cancers of the central part of the face; defects -actinic dermatitis, should be avoided at the location on the eyelids, nose, ear, reserved for patients with contraindications to surgery [44,45]; • cryosurgery -only for small, superficial BCC changes, for the other it is not recommended, freezing with liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide [46,47]; • photodynamic therapy -give intravenous or topical photosensitizing substance, which, after 24-48 h accumulates in tumor cells, then radiates with the wave length of 630-660 nm or a laser -by photo-oxidation chemical reaction occurs and leads to death of cancer cells. Low efficacy, relapse is characterized by higher histological malignancy [48].…”