[Interferon in the treatment of condylomata acuminata]

In the present study we used the well known antiviral properties of interferon alpha 2b in condylomata acuminata. Firstly we investigated 3 different application forms. We found that 1. the local INF application in gel was completely ineffective, 2. the injection of INF into the base of the warts was effective but too painful for routine therapy, 3. the systemic treatment by s.c.-injection had an excellent compliance and a high efficacy. In the second part of the study we treated 16 patients with our own s.c.-regimen of 3 x 5 mill. U and 6 x 2 mill. U INF alpha 2b within 5 weeks. 60% showed a complete response, 30% a partial response; these were treated surgical afterwards. In none of the patients a relapse occurred at a median follow-up of 11 months. The observed side-effects were poor. We consider the systemic treatment with interferon for condylomata acuminata to be highly effective and well tolerated. The relapse rate is very poor.