Interferon therapy for laryngeal papillomatosis in adults

Eight patients with recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis were treated with exogenous leukocyte interferon alpha, 1 to 4 X 10(6) IU daily or every second day for 150 days. During an initial three-week period of low-dose treatment, tumor size was reduced in five patients. After three weeks of treatment, microsurgical removal was performed, followed by increased dosage of interferon. At the end of the five-month treatment, recurrence of small papillomas was found in one of the patients. During the posttreatment period (seven to 11 months), recurrences occurred in four patients. We conclude from this pilot study that exogenous leukocyte interferon changes the pattern of recurrences of laryngeal papillomas in adults and may supplement surgical treatment.