[Safety and efficacy of interferon alfa-2b in the adjuvant treatment of uveal melanoma].
OBJECTIVE
In this manuscript, the safety and efficacy of adjuvant interferon alfa 2b treatment of uveal melanoma is described.


METHODS
A total of 39 patients (23 male and 16 female, mean age 56.5 years, range 35-78 years) with uveal melanoma were treated with interferon alfa 2b, 3 million units three times a week subcutaneously for 1 year after therapy of the primary tumor. In all patients age, gender, primary melanoma data, therapeutic interventions, treatment side effects and outcome were documented.


RESULTS
Of the 39 patients, 31 (80%) finished the treatment as scheduled after 1 year. In 18 patients (46%) the initial dose had to be reduced due to leucopenia, thrombopenia, cardiac symptoms, elevated of liver function or vertigo (WHO grade I-III). In eight patients, therapy had to be withdrawn because of serious side effects (five patients) and the appearance of metastases (three patients). Neither a univariate approach nor a multivariate approach could show a protective effect of interferon treatment on survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Adjuvant treatment of uveal melanoma with interferon alfa should be abandoned until the question of dose and administration for cutaneous melanoma is solved.
Richtig
E
E
Abt. für Allgemeine Dermatologie, Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 8, 8036 Graz, Austria. erika.richtig@meduni-graz.at
Langmann
G
G
Schlemmer
G
G
Müllner
K
K
Papaefthymiou
G
G
Bergthaler
P
P
Smolle
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins