Immunotherapy of gynecologic malignancies.
Systemic Corynebacterium parvum and BCG have limited activity in gynecologic malignancies. Although intraperitoneal C. parvum is active, its toxicity is prohibitive. Intraperitoneal alpha-interferon is an active second line agent for minimal residual disease following combination chemotherapy. Intraperitoneal interferon trials are ongoing. Alpha-interferon is also active against lower genital tract condyloma acuminata. Sufficient numbers of patients have not been evaluated to determine the activity of interleukin-2(IL-2) in gynecologic malignancies. Radioisotope labeled monoclonal antibodies can image gynecologic malignancies and may have a future therapeutic role. The last decade has witnessed a substantial growth in immunotherapy and has demonstrated a role for biologic agents in cancer therapy. Continued improvement in biologic therapies should lead to major advances in gynecologic cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Foon
K A
KA
Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263.
Fanning
J
J
D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy