[Introduction of natural interferon-alpha "Sumiferon"].
Natural interferon-alpha preparation "Sumiferon" was recently developed in Japan. This is a human lymphoblastoid interferon (HLBI) preparation. Like other interferon preparations, this preparation showed both direct and indirect antitumor effect and the toxicities were moderate. The phase I-II studies were carried out in 38 major institutions in Japan. In the phase I study in 5 patients with advanced breast cancer, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was found to be 12 X 10(6) units/day given for 1 month. In the phase II study, HLBI was given in at 3 approximately 6 X 10(6) units/day. Out of 391 cases, 280 were evaluable. Complete and partial responses (CR and PR) were observed in 40 (14.3%) out of 280 evaluable cases, including 11 (19.6%) out of 56 renal cell cancer, 14 (19.2%) out of 73 multiple myeloma, and 9 (17.3) out of 52 malignant lymphoma among others. Major side effects observed were: fever (69.8%), gastrointestinal disturbances (31.4%), leukopenia (30.7%), thrombocytopenia (27.8%), hepatotoxicities (23.6%) and general fatigue (22.1%). Sumiferon seemed to be one of useful antitumor drugs effective against renal cancer.
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D051379:Mice; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000628:therapy*
D007370:Interferon Type I