Minimal activity of recombinant clone a interferon in metastatic colon cancer

Twenty-one patients with advanced measurable colorectal carcinoma were treated with interferon (rIFN-alpha A) intramuscularly at 50 X 10(6) units/m2 thrice weekly. No patient had received chemotherapy for metastatic or recurrent disease. The average age of the patients was 60 years, and the mean initial performance status was 85 (Karnofsky scale). Nineteen patients were evaluable for response. One patient showed complete resolution of pulmonary nodules and stable liver metastases after 3 months of therapy. The other 18 patients developed progressive disease after 1-3 months of treatment. Toxicity was substantial but manageable; fevers, chills, fatigue, elevated serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, anemia, and mild leukopenia were common. rIFN-alpha A is minimally active against metastatic colorectal carcinoma.