5-Fluorouracil and recombinant interferon alfa-2a: review of activity and toxicity in advanced colorectal carcinomas.
Improved response rates in metastatic colorectal carcinoma recently have been observed for the combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and recombinant interferon alfa-2a (rIFN), compared to those obtained in historical trials of single-agent 5-FU. The mechanism of interaction between these agents has not been explored adequately but may relate to biochemical modulation of 5-FU by rIFN. Toxicities resulting from this combination have included fever, chills, myalgias, granulocytopenia, mucositis, diarrhea, skin rash, neurological symptoms, and hand-foot syndrome. Future studies of 5-FU with rIFN should investigate schedules aimed at reducing toxicity without compromising efficacy and also should explore mechanisms of enhanced activity.
Pazdur
R
R
Section of Gastrointestinal Oncology and Digestive Diseases, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.
Jackson
D
D
Shepherd
B
B
Saddler
D
D
Font
L
L
McCardell
M
M
Myers
P
P
Schmidt
S
S
D000368:Aged; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D005472:Fluorouracil