Results of treatment with alpha-interferon in adult-onset laryngeal papillomatosis.
Juvenile laryngeal papilloma occurs mainly in childhood, but is also occasionally seen in adults. The treatment of this disease has been very unsatisfactory. During the last decade, vaporization of the papillomas with the carbon dioxide laser has been the most frequently applied method of treatment, but recurrences are often observed. Alpha-interferon seems to affect the clinical course of juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis in children. We therefore started treating 3 patients with persistent adult-onset laryngeal papillomatosis with alpha-interferon in combination with regular endoscopic removal using the CO2 laser. In 1 case a complete remission occurred within 3 months. Administration of alpha-interferon was continued for another 6 months. Laryngoscopy in the 2 other patients showed only minor lesions after treatment with alpha-interferon for 1 1/2 years. Alpha-interferon treatment is still being continued. The dramatic improvement in the laryngeal picture of these patients during the treatment with alpha-interferon leads to the conclusion that alpha-interferon can affect the course of this disease. Whether a definite cure can be achieved is, however, still questionable.
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D010212:Papilloma / Q000188:drug therapy*
D007370:Interferon Type I