Interferon therapy for bronchial papillomatosis controlled by papillomavirus-DNA hybridization

In biopsy specimens from a patient with tracheal and bronchial papillomatosis, human papillomavirus (HPV) type 11 DNA was identified. Treatment with leukocyte interferon was initiated, and the results of therapy was monitored by molecular hybridization of biopsy specimens with phosphorus 32-labeled HPV type 11 DNA after interferon application. There was no improvement of the clinical course, although two of five biopsy specimens showed a considerable reduction in the amount of HPV type 11. We discuss the reasons for the insufficient effect of therapy and propose molecular hybridization as an additional method for therapy control in viral diseases.