Experience with intrapleural natural beta interferon in the treatment of malignant pleural effusions.
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.
Cascinu
S
S
Servizio di Oncologia, Ospedali Riuniti, Pesaro, Italy.
Isidori
P P
PP
Fedeli
A
A
Fedeli
S L
SL
Raspugli
M
M
Rossi
A
A
Ugolini
M
M
Catalano
G
G
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000628:therapy*
D007370:Interferon Type I