[A pilot study of low dose alpha-2b interferon in metastatic malignant melanoma with predominant subcutaneous...

In order to assess the efficacy and toxicity of subcutaneous application of low dose Alpha-2b Interferon (3,000.000 IU/24 h x 2, during 15 days, drug free interval 2 weeks, a total of 2 cycles), 6 patients with metastatic malignant melanoma with predominantly subcutaneous metastases entered the pilot study. The effects of this treatment were followed up both for the subcutaneous metastases and for other metastatic localizations of the disease present in those patients. Of 20 subcutaneous deposits no complete response was recorded, the partial response rate was 6 of 20, 10 remained stable, and 4 progressed. The low dose interferon treatment in a reduced time interval achieved the response rate for subcutaneous deposits of 30%. Of 2 patients with hepatic metastases, 1 partial response was observed, and 1 partial response for 2 patients with lymphonodal deposits. No regression of pulmonary and bone metastases was observed. The three patients with CNS metastases displayed a progressive disease. The toxic effects of low dose Alpha-2b Interferon were tolerable.