A phase I trial of recombinant leukocyte alpha 2 interferon in patients with advanced malignancy.
Seventeen patients with advanced, previously treated malignancies were entered into a phase I trial utilizing recombinant DNA produced alpha 2 leukocyte interferon (rIFN-alpha 2). Sixteen patients were evaluable. Patients were to receive rIFN-alpha 2 by either the I.V. or I.M. route for 35 consecutive days. The dosage was identical by both routes, and patients were escalated from 3 X 10(6) to 10 X 10(6) to 30 X 10(6) to 50 X 10(6) and to 100 X 10(6) I.U. every 7 days. No patient was able to tolerate the consecutive treatment protocol as planned. Dose-limiting toxicity was a flu-like syndrome in 10 patients and was usually associated with a fall in performance status. Confusion resulted in study withdrawal for five patients, four receiving rIFN-alpha 2 by the I.M. route. Hematologic and liver function abnormalities were common, usually transient, and not associated with clinical sequelae. One patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma showed substantial improvement; otherwise, all had stable or progressive disease. Pharmacologic studies indicated substantial serum levels at doses greater than or equal to 10 X 10(6) I.U. regardless of route. No consistent changes in NK activity, lymphocyte subpopulations, or immunoglobulin levels were noted, and no patient developed antibodies to rIFN-alpha 2. The dose and schedule used here indicate that high levels of serum rIFN-alpha 2 activity are obtainable by either the I.M. or I.V. route. Intermittent rather than daily dosage is more likely to be better tolerated and should be considered for phase II trials.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003221:Confusion / Q000139:chemically induced; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000139:chemically induced; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D007370:Interferon Type I