Intraperitoneal recombinant interferon gamma in ovarian cancer patients with residual disease at second-look laparotomy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of recombinant human interferon gamma (rIFN-gamma) as second-line treatment in patients with persistent disease at second-look laparotomy.


METHODS
One hundred eight patients with residual disease at second-look laparotomy were treated with rIFN-gamma (20 x 10(6) IU/m2) administered intraperitoneally (IP) twice a week for 3 to 4 months. In the absence of clinically assessable disease, response to rIFN-gamma was assessed with a third-look laparotomy.


RESULTS
Of 98 assessable patients, 31 (32%) achieved a surgically documented response, including 23 patients (23%) with a complete response (CR). The age and size of residual tumor were significant prognostic factors for the response to rIFN-gamma. A 41% CR rate was observed in 41 patients younger than 60 years and with residual tumor less than 2 cm. The probability of response was independent of previous response to first-line chemotherapy. The median duration of response was 20 months and the 3-year survival rate in responders was 62%. Response to rIFN-gamma was the most significant prognostic factor for survival of patients with residual disease. Adverse events included fever, flu-like syndrome, neutropenia, and liver enzyme disturbances. No significant peritoneal fibrosis was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the potential interest of IP rIFN-gamma as adjuvant treatment in ovarian cancer. Controlled prospective trials are required to determine its place in the therapeutic strategy of this malignancy.
Pujade-Lauraine
E
E
Hôtel Dieu Hospital, Paris, France.
Guastalla
J P
JP
Colombo
N
N
Devillier
P
P
François
E
E
Fumoleau
P
P
Monnier
A
A
Nooy
M
M
Mignot
L
L
Bugat
R
R
Marques
C
C
Mousseau
M
M
Netter
G
G
Maloisel
F
F
Larbaoui
S
S
Brandely
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007813:Laparotomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012086:Reoperation; D015996:Survival Rate
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma