Human Leukocyte Interferon and Cimetidine for Metastatic Melanoma

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Abstract
To the Editor: The use of interferon in the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma has met with limited success.1 , 2 This may be due to interferon-induced activation of suppressor cells3 — T cells bearing histamine2 receptors. We have initiated a study to investigate whether the therapeutic efficacy of interferon could be enhanced by complementary treatment with cimetidine, a histamine2 antagonist. We wish to communicate our encouraging results in treating six consecutive patients, all of whom had microscopically verified, measurable, recurrent melanoma. Treatment was started with 4X106 to 12X106 units of leukocyte interferon4 (A/S Alfred Benson, Copenhagen, Denmark) given . . .