Phase II study of continuous subcutaneous interferon-alfa combined with cisplatin in advanced malignant melanoma

Interferon-alfa (IFN-alpha) and cisplatin have shown synergism in vitro against tumour cell lines and optimal effects were observed with continuous and high IFN concentration. 20 patients with advanced malignant melanoma were treated with 10 MU IFN subcutaneously continuously, daily, plus cisplatin 50 mg/m2 intravenously on days 8 and 9. Cisplatin was repeated every 4 weeks. The main toxic effects were myelosuppression, fatigue and weight loss. Toxicities always resolved completely after reduction/interruption of IFN and no life-threatening infection was observed. There were 1 complete and 6 partial responses. 6 patients had stable disease. Median time to progression was 7 months with a range of 16 to 2 months. The combined regimen of IFN-alpha and cisplatin is active in patients with multiple visceral and skeletal sites.