title: A Phase II trial of high-dose intravenous interferon alpha-2 in advanced colorectal cancer.
abstract: Twenty-one patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were treated with high-dose intravenous interferon alpha-2 (30-50 X 10(6) units/m2) administered daily for 5 consecutive days. Courses of therapy were repeated every 2 to 3 weeks. No tumor responses were seen among 15 evaluable patients. In two subjects, disease remained stable for 3 and 7 months, respectively. Toxicity was substantial and a de-escalation of dose was frequently required. Fevers, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, leukopenia, and elevated serum transaminases were common. High-dose interferon was found to be ineffective in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. A daily dose of 50 X 10(6) units/m2 was greater than the maximum tolerated dose in this group of patients.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I