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Phase II results with recombinant interferons: renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma
Abstract:
There is as yet no effective treatment for renal cell carcinoma and metastasizing malignant melanoma. This fact, coupled with in vitro investigations showing growth inhibitory or cytotoxic effects of interferon (IFN) on renal cell carcinoma and melanoma cell lines, led to phase II clinical trials with recombinant (r) IFN-alpha 2C and rIFN-gamma. So far 8 patients with renal cell carcinoma have been treated with IFN-alpha 2C and 3 patients with rIFN-gamma. There has been one complete response to IFN-alpha 2C, two mixed responses and one partial response. One patient on rIFN-gamma has stable disease and the other 2 have progressed. Eleven patients with metastasizing malignant melanoma were treated with IFN-alpha 2C. One patient achieved a complete remission and 3 others had stable disease which later progressed in 2 of them. Side-effects were reversible.
Insights
Recombinant interferon (IFN) shows promise for treating advanced renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma. Clinical trials indicate some patients experienced complete responses or stable disease, with reversible side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- No effective treatments currently exist for renal cell carcinoma and metastasizing malignant melanoma.
- In vitro studies demonstrated that interferon (IFN) exhibits growth inhibitory and cytotoxic effects on renal cell carcinoma and melanoma cell lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant interferon-alpha 2C (rIFN-alpha 2C) and recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) in phase II clinical trials for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and metastatic malignant melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Phase II clinical trials were conducted involving patients with renal cell carcinoma and metastasizing malignant melanoma.
- Patients received either rIFN-alpha 2C or rIFN-gamma for treatment.
Main Results:
- For renal cell carcinoma (8 patients with rIFN-alpha 2C, 3 with rIFN-gamma): rIFN-alpha 2C resulted in one complete response, two mixed responses, and one partial response. rIFN-gamma showed one patient with stable disease and two with disease progression.
- For metastasizing malignant melanoma (11 patients with rIFN-alpha 2C): one patient achieved complete remission, and three had stable disease (two of whom later progressed).
- Reported side-effects were reversible.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant interferon therapy demonstrates potential as a treatment option for advanced renal cell carcinoma and metastatic malignant melanoma.
- Further investigation is warranted to optimize interferon-based therapies for these challenging cancers.