title: The role of biological response modifiers in malignant melanoma.
abstract: This article reviews the existing data in an attempt to address the role of biological response modifiers (IFN-alpha and IL-2) in the management of melanoma. Eight prospective controlled Phase III trials evaluating IFN-alpha therapy are discussed. As the results from these trials have been heterogeneous and inconsistent, the role of IFN-alpha in the adjuvant treatment of stage II and III melanoma patients remains to be defined. IL-2 possesses modest antitumour activity in melanoma yielding objective response in approximately 15% of patients. Many toxic effects are induced by high-dose IL-2 therapy. Combinations of chemotherapy and biological response modifiers and their impact on tumour response and survival are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Oxford, John Radcliffe NHS Trust, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: Marko B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Lens
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007372:Interferons / Q000378:metabolism; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000378:metabolism; D008545:Melanoma / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D007376:Interleukin-2; D007372:Interferons