Interferon-alpha/beta can impede development of carcinogen-induced squamous-cell tumors in the esophagus of C57B1 mice.
The effect of treatment with murine interferon-alpha/beta preparations on diethylnitrosamine-induced squamous-cell tumors in the esophagus of C57B1 mice was investigated. Diethylnitrosamine was administered in the drinking water for 18 weeks. Interferon was given intraperitoneally during the same 18 weeks or from the end of the period of carcinogen exposure until termination of the experiment. In mice given interferon and diethylnitrosamine synchronously, a significantly lower tumor index (number of tumors/cm of esophageal mucosa) was observed as compared to all control groups. Treatment with interferon after the administration of the carcinogen was terminated had no effect on the appearance of tumors. These data suggest that interferon therapy can exert certain effects on carcinogenesis.
Fagerberg
J
J
Department of Oncology (Radiumhemmet), Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Rubio
C
C
Gresser
I
I
Kuylenstierna
R
R
Munck-Wikland
E
E
Strander
H
H
D000818:Animals; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004052:Diethylnitrosamine; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D004052:Diethylnitrosamine; D016899:Interferon-beta