title: Extended phase I study of human beta-interferon in human cancer.
abstract: Ten patients with advanced cancer were treated with weekly intravenous escalating doses of human beta-interferon (HuIFN beta) 4 days each week. The starting dose of HuIFN beta was 3.0 X 10(6) units/m2 and the dose was doubled each week until dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Subjective toxicity included mild fevers and chills, malaise and flu-like symptoms. The lowest dose which caused suppression of the platelet and/or white cell count was 64 X 10(6) units daily, and the maximum dose given was 320 X 10(6) units daily. Both subjective and objective toxicity were not dose-related, easily managed and reversible. Serum interferon levels and the duration of measurable interferon activity on natural killer cells was in general dose-dependent. Two patients had an objective partial response, and two others showed stable disease while receiving HuIFN beta.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D007370:Interferon Type I