title: Renal cell carcinoma: antitumor effects of leukocyte interferon.
abstract: Partially purified human leukocyte (alpha) interferon was administered i.m. at a dose of 3 x 10(6) units/day to 19 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Five patients (26%) showed partial responses; two patients (10.5%), objective minor responses; three patients (16%), mixed effects (evidence of biological effect with regression of some lesions but concomitant progression); two patients (10.5%), disease stabilization; and seven patients (37%), progressive disease. All tumor responses were seen in lung or mediastinal metastases. Tumor response significantly correlated with interferon-induced leukopenia and granulocytopenia and with pretreatment performance status. Antibodies to interferon were found in one patient prior to treatment. We concluded that interferon is a potential active antitumor agent in patients with renal cell carcinoma.
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I