[Recombinant leukocyte A interferon in metastasized malignant melanoma]

The efficacy and tolerance of recombinant leukocyte A interferon (interferon alpha-2a) in 30 patients with metastasized malignant melanoma in clinical stages III and IV were tested in a phase II study. During the first 10 weeks, the patients received 18 X 10(6) IU interferon alpha-2a i.m. daily and afterwards the same dose three times a week for a further four months. In 21 patients, the tumor growth was progressive. In six patients in clinical stage IV, there was a standstill for at least two months, and in three patients in clinical stage III, there was complete remission lasting between 12 and 16 months so far. The side effects of therapy differed in the individual patients. Fever, chills, limb pain, tiredness, nausea and lack of appetite were observed most often. All these symptoms as well as the frequently occurring leukopenia and elevation of the transaminases were especially pronounced at the beginning of therapy. They were dose-dependent, but reversible.