Subcutaneous interferon alpha in the treatment of refractory condylomata

Fifteen patients (mean age 24, range 19-46) referred for refractory vulvar warts were treated with subcutaneous interferon alpha-2a, 3 million units 3 times a week for 3 weeks. The cumulative rate of complete response was 14% at 2 weeks, 27% at one month, and 36% at three months. The response was independent of the duration of warts. The mean number of vulvar warts was 7 (range 3 to 9) among patients with complete response, 11 (range 4-20) among patients with partial response, and 23 (range 4-35) among patients with no response. The presence of cytologic or colposcopic abnormality of the cervix also predicted poor response. Adverse effects were usually mild. One patient developed progression of warts at one month and was dropped from the study. Future studies should explore the use of interferon as an adjuvant to other treatment modalities.