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Natural human interferon-beta in metastatic malignant melanoma. A phase II study
E A Abdi1, Y H Tan, T A McPherson
1Department of Medicine, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Natural human fibroblast interferon (HuIFN-beta) showed anti-tumor activity in advanced melanoma patients. While toxicities were manageable, responses were limited, highlighting the need for further research into optimal interferon therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Advanced metastatic malignant melanoma remains a challenging diagnosis with limited treatment options.
- Interferons, including natural human fibroblast interferon (HuIFN-beta), have been explored for their anti-tumor properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of natural human fibroblast interferon (HuIFN-beta) in patients with advanced metastatic malignant melanoma.
Main Methods:
- A phase II clinical trial was conducted involving 15 previously untreated patients.
- Treatment consisted of intravenous infusions of HuIFN-beta at a dose of 60 x 10(6) U/m2/day for 4 consecutive days each week.
- Patient outcomes, including response rate, duration of response, survival, and toxicity, were monitored.
Main Results:
- Three patients achieved a partial response, and three patients had stable disease.
- The median time to response was 13.3 weeks, with a median duration of response of 22.6 weeks.
- Responses were observed in lung and soft tissue metastases, with relapses noted in the central nervous system and liver. Overall median survival was 20.7 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Natural human fibroblast interferon (HuIFN-beta) demonstrates anti-tumor activity in advanced metastatic melanoma.
- The dose required for HuIFN-beta was significantly larger than that for interferon-alpha to achieve comparable anti-tumor effects.
- Further investigation is warranted to optimize interferon-based therapies for melanoma.