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[Biomodulation of 5-fluorouracil by interferon]
1Division of Clinical Chemotherapy, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Interferon (IFN) enhances 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy by increasing its cytotoxic effects. While initial studies showed high response rates, further research is needed to optimize IFN and 5-FU combinations for various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Biomodulation
Background:
- 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a cornerstone chemotherapy agent.
- Interferon (IFN) has been investigated for its potential to enhance 5-FU efficacy.
- Biomodulation therapy aims to improve chemotherapy outcomes by combining agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the preclinical and clinical evidence for 5-FU biomodulation by IFN.
- To assess the efficacy and mechanisms of 5-FU and IFN combination therapy.
- To explore the role of leucovorin (LV) in combination with 5-FU and IFN.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies on 5-FU and IFN interactions.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for 5-FU/IFN combination therapy in colorectal cancer.
- Evaluation of studies incorporating leucovorin (LV) into 5-FU/IFN regimens.
Main Results:
- IFN enhances 5-FU cytotoxicity through various mechanisms, including increased anabolism and biological response modification.
- Initial high response rates (76.4%) in advanced colorectal cancer were reported, but subsequent studies showed modest rates (25-43%).
- Adding leucovorin (LV) to 5-FU/IFN did not improve efficacy but increased side effects.
Conclusions:
- Biomodulation of 5-FU by IFN shows promise but requires further optimization of dosage and scheduling.
- The combination of 5-FU and IFN, or 5-FU/LV/IFN, warrants investigation in other cancers like head and neck, esophageal, and biliary tract.
- Further studies are essential to establish optimal treatment protocols for biomodulation chemotherapy.