title: Recombinant interferon alpha-2b in the management of malignant pleural effusions.
abstract: Twenty-one patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) were prospectively entered into a nonrandomized, single-armed study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant interferon (IFN) alpha-2b (INTRON A; Schering-Plough; Kenilworth, NJ) as an intrapleural palliative agent. From March 1989 through February 1993 (48 months), 21 patients were entered into the study. No symptomatic effusion recurred and no substantial side effects were associated with treatment. This suggests recombinant IFN alpha-2b represents a safe and effective intrapleural agent for the palliation of MPE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Columbus-Cabrini Medical Center, Chicago, USA.
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Wilkins
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Grays
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marquez
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nelson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015505:Chest Tubes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016037:Single-Blind Method
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins