title: [Human recombinant leukocyte interferon alpha-2-A in 22 cases of metastatic malignant melanoma].
abstract: Twenty-two patients with metastatic malignant melanoma received either 36 X 10(6) U (15 patients) or 18 X 10(6) U (7 patients) of human recombinant interferon alpha-2-A daily for 3 months by the intramuscular route, with progressive increase of dosage. This was followed in responders by a maintenance treatment consisting of 3 intramuscular injections per week in the same doses as those received at the end of the induction treatment. Out of 18 patients assessable for effectiveness, 1 had complete remission (7 months +) and 3 had partial response (52,61 and 82 days respectively), an overall improvement rate of 22%. The main side-effects observed were: pseudoinfluenza syndrome (100%), fatigue (100%), somnolence (95%), anorexia (90%) and haematological disorders. Dosage reduction was necessary in 13 of the 15 patients receiving 36 MU. This study shows that human recombinant interferon alpha-2-A has antitumoral activity in metastatic malignant melanoma. Other studies, notably with therapeutic combinations, are needed to determine the optimal dosage regimen of the drug and to increase its effectiveness.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008545:Melanoma / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I
vernacular_title: L'interféron leucocytaire alpha-2-A humain recombinant dans vingt-deux cas de mélanome malin métastatique.