The use of interferon-alpha in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma: a review.
During the past few years significant progress has been made in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma. These developments often involve the use of interferon-alpha (IFNalpha). Promising results have been reported in high risk patients using adjuvant treatment with high dose IFNalpha. A confirmatory trial of high dose IFNalpha and several adjuvant trials using low or intermediate dose IFNalpha are ongoing, and currently a standard regimen cannot be defined. High response rates have been reported in patients with metastatic disease with combination chemoimmunotherapy schedules. Randomized trials have to be performed in order to demonstrate a survival benefit over less toxic regimens. In this paper the current status of IFNalpha in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma is reviewed.
Punt
C J
CJ
Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
D003606:Dacarbazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D007376:Interleukin-2; D003606:Dacarbazine; D007371:Interferon-gamma