Interferons and bladder cancer.
With the introduction of BCG, intravesical instillation of immunotherapeutic agents has become a mainstay of therapy in the treatment of superficial bladder cancer. Interferon is capable of inducing a non-specific cellular and humoral immune response towards tumor cells. It has shown promise in reducing the recurrence and progression rates of superficial bladder cancer. In contrast to BCG, intravesical interferon is associated with minimal side effects and a very low dropout rate. Current research has focused on the use of interferon in combination with immunotherapeutic and cytotoxic drugs.
Brown
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DH
Division of Urology, Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.
Wagner
T T
TT
Bahnson
R R
RR
D000283:Administration, Intravesical; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007372:Interferons / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007372:Interferons