Efficacy of recombinant alpha-interferon 2a and 13-cis-retinoic acid in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Recent in vitro and in vivo studies hypothesize a synergistic effect of 13-cis-Retinoic Acid (13cRA) and recombinant alpha-IFN 2a (alpha-IFN) in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC).


METHODS
35 patients with SqCC in several sites were treated with 13cRA (0.6-1 mg/kg/day) combined with alpha-IFN (6 x 10(6) I.U./day), continuously for 3 months.


RESULTS
We observed an objective response in 41% of cases (13/32 evaluable patients) with 5 complete and 8 partial responses. Toxicity was mild and always rapidly reversible, with no haematological side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary data confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the combination of 13cRA and alpha-IFN in the therapy of SqCC, also in pre-treated patients, with acceptable toxicity and good compliance.
Toma
S
S
National Institute for Cancer Research-IST-Genova, Italy.
Palumbo
R
R
Vincenti
M
M
Aitini
E
E
Paganini
G
G
Pronzato
P
P
Grimaldi
A
A
Rosso
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000855:Anorexia / Q000209:etiology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012074:Remission Induction
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D015474:Isotretinoin