PHASE-II TRIAL OF LYMPHOBLASTOID INTERFERON IN METASTATIC COLON-CARCINOMA

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 67  (11) , 1009-1012
Abstract
Patients (19) with advanced metastatic colon carcinoma were treated with human lymphoblastoid interferon, 3.0 .times. 106 U/m2 i.m. 3 times/wk for 6 wk. Patients who did not progress at the 6-wk interval were randomized to receive maintenance treatment with interferon (3.0 .times. 106 U/m2 once/wk) or no further treatment. All patients had evaluable metastatic lung, liver or abdominal disease as measured by radiographs or computerized tomographic scans. Complete remission or partial remission of > 50% decrease in tumor measurements was not demonstrated with interferon treatment. Among 18 evaluable patients, seven had stabilization of measurable disease at 6 wk, but 11 showed progressive disease. Of the 7 patients followed during maintenance, only 1 (placebo maintenance) remained with no objective progression. No serious organ toxic effects were attributed to interferon, but 1 patient demonstrated liver enzyme elevation that persisted after cessation of interferon therapy. All patients had significant constitutional symptoms of fever, muscle aches and malaise. Using interferon at the dose schedule outlined, this study failed to demonstrate significant regressions in metastatic colon carcinoma.