The interferons. A clinician's view

Therapy with interferon remains in its infancy. At present, appropriate methods and protocols for treatment of malignant melanoma and other tumors are being formulated. The drug offers promise for patients with basal-cell carcinoma in surgically difficult or cosmetically troubling locations. Older debilitated patients might find this mode of therapy welcome compared with more destructive surgical techniques. At some later date, interferon might be useful to treat resistant warts of the palms, soles, or genitalia.