title: Management of cancer patients receiving interferon alfa-2a.
abstract: This is a review of the data on the safety and tolerance of interferon alfa-2a in the treatment of cancer patients and is particularly aimed at patient care. Since 1981, interferon alfa-2a prepared from human sources has been administered to over 2500 cancer patients and 2500 patients with viral diseases. Adverse effects have been invariably produced following parenteral injections of greater than 3 X 10(6) IU. These were mainly flu-like symptoms (greater than 90%), fatigue (90%), gastrointestinal (85%), central nervous system (65%) and musculoskeletal (60%) disorders. Laboratory abnormalities, though common (greater than 75%) were rarely dose limiting. Their severity can be reduced by using dose schedules which promote tachyphylaxis, co-medication with paracetamol and evening administration. Fatigue is best controlled by careful dose attenuation and occasional therapy rest periods. At dosages of 3 X 10(6)-18 X 10(6) IU/injection, interferon alfa-2a therapy can be safely managed on an out-patient basis, requiring minimal or no hospitalization. The frequency and low titre of antibody development to interferon alfa-2a indicates that it is a weak antigen and is suitable for long-term therapeutic application.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007267:Injections; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins