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Alpha 2b interferon (IFN) by intraperitoneal administration via temporary catheter in ovarian cancer. Preliminary
R V Iaffaioli1, G Frasci, G Facchini
1Cattedra di Oncologia Medica, Università di Cagliari.
Abstract:
Thirty-nine patients with epithelial ovarian cancer admitted to the Division of Medical Oncology of the Medical School II of Naples were given 159 courses of alpha 2b interferon (30 Mil./sqm IU) intraperitoneally from October 1986 to November 1989. IFN was generally administered every three weeks, but six patients received the drug weekly at the same dose, for an additional period. In 15 patients IFN was added to standard systemic chemotherapy as first line treatment; the remaining patients, all pretreated (22 with minimal and 2 with no residual disease), received an intraperitoneal multidrug treatment combining IFN, cisplatin and mitoxantrone. Peritoneal access was achieved through a temporarily implanted 18 gauge catheter and the drug was instilled in a large fluid volume (2,000 ml) to ensure wide spread and uniform distribution. IFN was well tolerated: only one patient had to discontinue treatment because of severe fatigue. No major complication related to catheter implantation or function occurred. 3/15 untreated and 11/20 pretreated patients, evaluable for response, achieved a pathological complete response (pCR). In view of IFN's lack of significant toxicity and the safety and tolerability of a temporary small gauge catheter for peritoneal access, intraperitoneal chemotherapy including IFN should be useful in ovarian cancer patients with minimal or absent disease after first-line systemic treatment.
Insights
Intraperitoneal alpha 2b interferon (IFN) showed good tolerability and safety in ovarian cancer patients. This treatment, combined with chemotherapy, achieved pathological complete responses in pretreated patients with minimal or no residual disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a significant challenge in gynecologic oncology.
- Intraperitoneal chemotherapy offers a targeted approach for localized disease.
- Alpha 2b interferon (IFN) is a biologic agent with potential anti-cancer activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of intraperitoneal alpha 2b interferon (IFN) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients.
- To assess IFN as a component of first-line and salvage treatment regimens.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-nine EOC patients received intraperitoneal IFN (30 MU/sqm) via temporary catheter.
- IFN was administered every three weeks or weekly.
- Treatment included IFN alone or in combination with cisplatin and mitoxantrone, particularly for pretreated patients with minimal or no residual disease.
Main Results:
- Intraperitoneal IFN was well tolerated, with only one patient discontinuing due to fatigue.
- No major complications were associated with catheter implantation or function.
- Pathological complete response (pCR) was achieved in 3/15 untreated and 11/20 pretreated patients.
Conclusions:
- Intraperitoneal chemotherapy with alpha 2b interferon (IFN) is safe and well-tolerated in ovarian cancer patients.
- This approach demonstrates efficacy, particularly in pretreated patients with minimal or absent residual disease.
- Temporary small-gauge catheters provide safe and effective peritoneal access for drug delivery.