title: Treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome--related Kaposi's sarcoma with lymphoblastoid interferon.
abstract: Twelve homosexual patients with Kaposi's sarcoma associated with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) were treated with a preparation of purified human lymphoblastoid interferon (Wellferon [Burroughs Wellcome, Research Triangle Park, NC]). They were given a dose of 20 X 10(6) U/m2 intramuscularly daily for approximately two months. Responders continued their treatment on a maintenance schedule of 20 X 10(6) U/m2 three times a week. Four patients experienced complete remissions, and four experienced partial remissions that resulted in a total response rate of 67%. The median duration of treatment was 14 weeks (7 to 28+ weeks), and the median response duration was 28+ weeks (19 to 29+ weeks). Of the four patients in complete remission, one relapsed at 25 weeks and one at 26 weeks; the other two remained in complete remission at 28 and 29+ weeks. The clinical toxicity consisted of chills, fever, fatigue, and asthenia. Hematologic toxicity was similar to that previously described for other preparations of alpha-interferon and consisted of moderate leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Asthenia, a condition present in all 12 patients, was severe in 50%. A minimal tumor burden, the absence of circulating interferon before treatment, and a performance status of greater than or equal to 90% on the Karnofsky scale were related to an improved response rate. Measurement of immunologic parameters showed significant declines in the already impaired T cell levels, lymphocyte blastogenic response to concanavalin A, monocyte-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and monocyte-adherence. Activation of natural killer cells was not noted, and no life-threatening infections occurred during treatment. These data suggest that human lymphoblastoid interferon is an active agent in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma, and its use warrants further study in a larger number of patients.
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D012882:Skin Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I