title: A phase I trial of recombinant human gamma interferon (IFN-gamma 4A) in patients with advanced malignancy.
abstract: We report a Phase I study in 39 cancer patients of the tolerance and biologic activity of 47 intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), and subcutaneous (s.c.) treatments with recombinant methional gamma interferon (IFN-gamma 4A) which most closely resembles the natural material produced by T lymphocytes. Patients were treated with IFN-gamma 4A 5 days a week for 2 weeks. After a 2-week rest period, patients were placed on the same dose of drug three times a week. The most common side effects--fever, chills, malaise, myalgias, and nausea and vomiting--were seen with all routes of administration. Reversible increases in hepatic transaminase and decrease in granulocytes counts were seen. The dose-limiting toxicities observed were malaise and orthostatic hypotension. The maximum tolerated dose was 500-1,000 micrograms/M2/day. The t1/2 of IFN-gamma 4A in the circulation was 20 min after i.v. injection. No blood levels were detected after i.m. or s.c. injection. Antibody against IFN-gamma 4A increased in three patients. A complete response was observed in one patient with pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C056557:interferon gamma-4A; D007371:Interferon-gamma