[Plasma concentration of alpha-interferon following continuous subcutaneous infusion]

Three or six million units of alpha-Interferon (HLBI) were administered continuously to cancer patients for 24 hours by subcutaneous infusion using Sp-3 microinfusion pump made by Nipro Company. The plasma concentrations after continuous subcutaneous infusion during more than 48 degrees hours were 20.3 IU/ml (10.8-31.9) at 3 x 10(6) IU HLBI and 44.5 IU/ml (9.1-89.2) at 6 x 10(6) IU HLBI. We think that continuous subcutaneous infusion of HLBI is worthy for the treatment of out-patients with malignant tumor, because they do not need to visit hospital daily and also continuous infusion reduces the toxicity of HLBI.