[Effect of human recombinant beta-interferon on natural killer activity of peripheral lymphocytes in cancer patients]

After human recombinant beta-interferon (ReIFN-beta) was administered to 13 cancer patients intrathoracoperitoneally and by intravenous drip infusion every day or 3 times a week, the effect of peripheral lymphocytes on natural killer (NK) activity was studied. When ReIFN-beta was given every day or 3 times a week, the NK activity was notably enforced, and was maintained throughout the period of administration. NK activity was also enforced regardless of whether ReIFN-beta was given intravenously on intrathoracoperitoneally. By the administration of ReIFN-beta, pleural effusion and ascites in three patients were depleted, and in one patient, Douglas' cul-de-sac tumor disappeared. It was therefore suggested that ReIFN-beta was effective against the cavity of carcinomatosis.