Development of neutralizing interferon antibodies after treatment with recombinant interferon-alpha 2b in patients with malignant carcinoid tumors.
Human leukocyte interferon (IFN) as well as recombinant (r)IFN-alpha 2b have demonstrated significant antitumor effects in patients with malignant carcinoid tumors, with objective response rates of about 50%. The development of anti-IFN-alpha 2b antibodies has been investigated in 20 patients treated with rIFN-alpha 2b. Three different assays have been used, one neutralization assay and two immunoassays. Increased titers of anti-IFN antibodies were obtained with all three assays in 3 patients (15%). Concomitantly with the development of neutralizing IFN antibodies, a loss of antitumor activity was observed in 2 patients. Neutralizing IFN antibodies may occur as soon as within 3 months of treatment with recombinant IFN-alpha 2b. The frequency of neutralizing IFN antibodies and their clinical significance need to be explored further. Standardized and relevant methods for antibody determinations also must be established.
Oberg
K
K
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Alm
G V
GV
D000368:Aged; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000276:immunology*; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008303:Malignant Carcinoid Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000906:Antibodies; D007370:Interferon Type I; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins