Interferon treatment of anogenital human papillomavirus-related diseases

Because of their antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunoregulatory properties, IFNs are potentially well suited for use in the management of benign HPV-related anogenital diseases. Parenteral and intralesional therapy of condylomata with various natural and recombinant IFN preparations has consistently resulted in beneficial response rates ranging between 40% and 60%, often in patients in whom other therapeutic measures have repeatedly failed. Adverse effects from IFN are dose dependent and generally tolerable at concentrations of IFN found to be effective in the treatment of condylomata, and they are not associated with any known long-term sequelae. When combined with conventional medical and surgical treatment modalities, IFN offers real promise for the control of both extensive primary and recalcitrant HPV-related conditions.