title: A randomized trial of low doses of alpha interferon in patients with breast cancer.
abstract: A randomized Phase II study was planned to test two doses of human lymphoblastoid interferon (Wellferon) in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Thirty-seven patients were entered and received either 0.5 or 3.0 million units three times a week for three months. The dose selection was based on earlier Phase I studies in order to maximize NK (natural killer) stimulation and the amount tolerated without undue toxicity. Twenty-nine patients were evaluable. There was only one excellent partial remission, sustained for one year. There were small and statistically insignificant NK increases in both groups. From this and a review of the literature, we conclude that alpha interferon has negligible activity in breast cancer.
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins