Human leukocyte (alpha) interferon in metastatic malignant melanoma: the American Cancer Society phase II trial

Forty-four evaluable patients with metastatic malignant melanoma confined to the skin, subcutaneous tissues, lymph nodes, and/or lung were randomly assigned to receive either 1 X 10(6), 3 X 10(6), or 9 X 10(6) units of partially purified human leukocyte (alpha) interferon by daily im injection for 42 days. One patient achieved a partial response, two had minor responses, and three others had mixed responses. The only partial response was observed at the lowest dose of interferon. Toxicity increased in frequency and intensity with increasing interferon dose. This preparation of interferon at the doses, route, and schedule used appears to have little efficacy in metastatic malignant melanoma.