title: Experience with intrapleural natural beta interferon in the treatment of malignant pleural effusions.
abstract: Malignant pleural effusion is a common complication of cancer. Intrapleural beta interferon has been recently tested, and responses were obtained in about 1/3 of the patients without considerable side effects. We treated 22 patients with recurrent symptomatic malignant pleural effusions with intrapleural beta interferon at increasing doses (5-15 million units) for a maximum of three courses and obtained only two responses. In our opinion, this schedule cannot be recommended for routine use.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Oncologia, Ospedali Riuniti, Pesaro, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cascinu
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Isidori
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fedeli
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Fedeli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raspugli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ugolini
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Catalano
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I