A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of systemically administered interferon-alpha, -beta, or -gamma in combination with cryotherapy for the treatment of condyloma acuminatum.
One hundred fifty-two patients were enrolled in a study to evaluate 3 interferon (IFN) preparations used in combination with cryotherapy for treatment of anogenital warts. Subjects received subcutaneous injections (2 x 10(6) units/m2) of IFN-alpha n1, -beta, -gamma or placebo 3 times a week for 6 weeks and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Subjects were followed < or = 1 year. Among patients followed > or = 12 weeks, two-thirds had a complete response. No significant differences in rates of complete response (P = .37) or reappearance of a wart at the initial site (P = .20) were noted among the treatment groups. However, patients who received IFN-beta or -gamma developed new warts at a significantly lower frequency (P = .02). IFN administration was associated with side effects but was well tolerated. IFN-beta was the least toxic of the 3 preparations and had the best therapeutic ratio.
Bonnez
W
W
Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, New York, USA.
Oakes
D
D
Bailey-Farchione
A
A
Choi
A
A
Hallahan
D
D
Pappas
P
P
Holloway
M
M
Corey
L
L
Barnum
G
G
Dunne
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003452:Cryosurgery; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012747:Sexual Partners
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D016899:Interferon-beta; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D007372:Interferons