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Purpose: To elucidate the efficacy and safety profile of interferon α‑2b in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Methods: In this prospective interventional study, VKC patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included and their signs and symptoms were scored based on the Clinical Scoring System. Patients were treated with topical interferon α‑2b eye drop (1 MIU/ml) QID dosing for 6 weeks. Changes in symptoms and signs were evaluated at 2, 4, 8 weeks and 6 months after initiating treatment. A higher score meant severe disease, and a decline in score meant improvement in clinical signs and symptoms. Categorical variables were presented in number and percentage (%) and continuous variables as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Post‑medication total subjective symptom score (TSSS) and total objective sign score (TOSS) were compared with baseline, and a P- value of <0.05 was considered significant. Possible ocular and systemic complications were evaluated. Results: The study included 40 patients (32 male and eight female) with a mean age of 8.05 ± 2.33 years. Mean baseline TSSS and TOSS were 6.71 ± 0.564 and 6.59 ± 0.262, respectively, which reduced to 2.71 ± 0.011 (P = 0.040) and 2.96 ± 0.210 (P = 0.032), respectively, at 4 weeks and further reduced to 0.42 ± 0.552 and 0.47 ± 0.434, respectively, at 8 weeks. After 6 months of stopping the drug, mean TSSS and TOSS did increase to 2.80 ± 0.820 (P = 0.044) and 2.50 ± 0.520 (P = 0.030), respectively, but was still statistically significant improvement compared to the baseline. Also, no ocular or systemic side effects were observed anytime during the study period. Conclusion: Eye drop interferon α‑2b (1 million IU/ml) is a safe and effective option as first‑line monotherapy for VKC. No side effects and recurrence were observed for 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To elucidate the efficacy and safety profile of interferon α-2b in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Methods: In this prospective interventional study, VKC patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included and their signs and symptoms were scored based on the Clinical Scoring System. Patients were treated with topical interferon α-2b eye drop (1 MIU/ml) QID dosing for 6 weeks. Changes in symptoms and signs were evaluated at 2, 4, 8 weeks and 6 months after initiating treatment. A higher score meant severe disease, and a decline in score meant improvement in clinical signs and symptoms. Categorical variables were presented in number and percentage (%) and continuous variables as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Post-medication total subjective symptom score (TSSS) and total objective sign score (TOSS) were compared with baseline, and a P- value of

Abstract Purpose Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) comprises a wide spectrum of squamous tumors, from which corneal/conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is the most common one. The classic treatment is complete excision, but recurrence rates are high. Antineoplastic drugs such as mitomycin C (MMC) and interferon alpha 2b (IFNα2b) have been used as adjuvants or as primary treatment. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical IFNα2b and MMC in patients with CIN, a phase IIb double-blind clinical trial was performed. Methods Patients diagnosed with localized CIN were evaluated by slit lamp and impression cytology and were randomly given MMC 0.04% or INF2b (1 million IU/mL) 4 times daily until neoplasia resolution. Time of resolution and frequency of adverse effects were analyzed to determine the pharmacological efficacy and safety of both medications. Results Seventeen patients were included. Nine patients were treated with MMC and 8 with IFNα2b. All patients responded to treatment. The resolution time in days was 59.11 ± 24.02 in patients treated with MMC and 143.50 ± 47.181 in those treated with IFNα2b (p 0.05). No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusions Topical chemotherapy with MMC and IFNα2b demonstrate pharmacological safety and efficacy. Therefore, these drugs could be considered as primary therapies for localized CIN .

Purpose: Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) comprises a wide spectrum of squamous tumors, from which corneal/conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is the most common one. The classic treatment is complete excision, but recurrence rates are high. Antineoplastic drugs such as mitomycin C (MMC) and interferon alpha 2b (IFNα2b) have been used as adjuvants or as primary treatment. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical IFNα2b and MMC in patients with CIN, a phase IIb double-blind clinical trial was performed. Methods: Patients diagnosed with localized CIN were evaluated by slit lamp and impression cytology and were randomly given MMC 0.04% or INF2b (1 million IU/mL) 4 times daily until neoplasia resolution. Time of resolution and frequency of adverse effects were analyzed to determine the pharmacological efficacy and safety of both medications. Results: Seventeen patients were included. Nine patients were treated with MMC and 8 with IFNα2b. All patients responded to treatment. The resolution time in days was 59.11 ± 24.02 in patients treated with MMC and 143.50 ± 47.181 in those treated with IFNα2b (p < 0.001). In the MMC group, one recurrence was reported (11%). There were no recurrences at 2 years of follow-up in the IFNα2b group. Regarding adverse effects, one or more mild adverse reaction occurred in 77% of patients managed with MMC and in 50% of patients managed with IFNα2b (p > 0.05). No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: Topical chemotherapy with MMC and IFNα2b demonstrate pharmacological safety and efficacy. Therefore, these drugs could be considered as primary therapies for localized CIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When primary acquired melanosis (PAM) with atypia affects the tarsal conjunctiva, a radical surgery can be mutilating, requiring reconstructive surgery of the eyelid. Topical chemotherapy associated to local cryotherapy may be an alternative. A 64-year-old Caucasian female presented with diffuse PAM of the right eye involving the inferior tarsal conjunctiva, fornix, and inferotemporal bulbar conjunctiva. Histological study showed a PAM with atypia (C-MIN 5). Given the extent of the lesion and its location, a wide mutilating excision was ruled out. Topical interferon alpha 2b (IFN-α2b) treatment (1,000,000 IU/mL, 4 times a day) was administered during 10 weeks. However, the regression was very slow. Then local cryotherapy was proposed (8 s at −80°C per application) to the entire pigmented lesion. This afforded progressive depigmentation, which was completed 2 months later. No recurrence of the lesion has been noted during 3 years of follow-up. The combination of the two procedures reduces IFN-α2b eyedrop administration time, enhancing patient compliance. The combination may eradicate the tumor without compromising ocular cosmesis.

When primary acquired melanosis (PAM) with atypia affects the tarsal conjunctiva, a radical surgery can be mutilating, requiring reconstructive surgery of the eyelid. Topical chemotherapy associated to local cryotherapy may be an alternative. A 64-year-old Caucasian female presented with diffuse PAM of the right eye involving the inferior tarsal conjunctiva, fornix, and inferotemporal bulbar conjunctiva. Histological study showed a PAM with atypia (C-MIN 5). Given the extent of the lesion and its location, a wide mutilating excision was ruled out. Topical interferon alpha 2b (IFN-α2b) treatment (1,000,000 IU/mL, 4 times a day) was administered during 10 weeks. However, the regression was very slow. Then local cryotherapy was proposed (8 s at −80°C per application) to the entire pigmented lesion. This afforded progressive depigmentation, which was completed 2 months later. No recurrence of the lesion has been noted during 3 years of follow-up. The combination of the two procedures reduces IFN-α2b eyedrop administration time, enhancing patient compliance. The combination may eradicate the tumor without compromising ocular cosmesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a literature review, which provides data on the role of interferons in the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 and the clinical efficacy of drugs based on recombinant interferon-alpha 2b in the treatment of children with new coronavirus infection. Shown the leading role ofinterferons as factors of the first line of defense against various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Numerous studies have proven the feasibility of including interferon preparations in COVID-19 therapyregimens in children, both as combinations with antiviral agents and as monotherapy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the role of interferon alpha 2b (IFNα2b) in the management of primary/recurrent cases of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODOLOGY: Medical records of 27 OSSN cases managed with IFNα2b (topical drops and/or perilesional injection) in 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The median age of presentation was 60 years with a male: female ratio of 3.5:1. American Joint Commission on Cancer tumor grading was T1 in 1 eye (3.7%) and T3 in 26 eyes (96.3%). Eighteen cases were treated with topical drops (1 million IU/ml), 4 cases with perilesional subconjunctival injection (3–6 million IU/ml), and 5 cases with combined therapy. Overall, treatment response was seen in 88% cases. Complete regression was achieved in 80% cases. Median time to complete regression of tumor was 3 months (range 1–11 months) in cases treated with topical interferon therapy and 2.5 months (range 0.7–3 months) in cases managed with injections or a combination of the two. The mean duration of follow-up was 24 months. All cases with partial/no response showed complete regression on subsequent management with topical mitomycin C. None of the patients required surgery. Acute ocular surface congestion was seen in two patients necessitating discontinuation of therapy. CONCLUSION: In view of excellent treatment outcome and few side-effects, interferons can be considered as a primary, safe, and cost-effective treatment option for OSSN not only in tertiary centers but also by peripheral ophthalmologists.

Abstract The most frequently encountered non-pigmented tumor of the ocular surface is ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). Over the past two decades, the pharmacological management of OSSN has grown, with topical 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin, and interferon alpha 2b all being successfully used to treat this disease. Other agents, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), retinoic acid, cidofovir and Aloe vera, have less frequently been used in the treatment of OSSN. This review will discuss these pharmacologic agents, summarizing available data and presenting the approach to the treatment of these tumors.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the role of interferon alpha 2b (IFNα2b) in the management of primary/recurrent cases of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODOLOGY: Medical records of 27 OSSN cases managed with IFNα2b (topical drops and/or perilesional injection) in 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The median age of presentation was 60 years with a male: female ratio of 3.5:1. American Joint Commission on Cancer tumor grading was T1 in 1 eye (3.7%) and T3 in 26 eyes (96.3%). Eighteen cases were treated with topical drops (1 million IU/ml), 4 cases with perilesional subconjunctival injection (3–6 million IU/ml), and 5 cases with combined therapy. Overall, treatment response was seen in 88% cases. Complete regression was achieved in 80% cases. Median time to complete regression of tumor was 3 months (range 1–11 months) in cases treated with topical interferon therapy and 2.5 months (range 0.7–3 months) in cases managed with injections or a combination of the two. The mean duration of follow-up was 24 months. All cases with partial/no response showed complete regression on subsequent management with topical mitomycin C. None of the patients required surgery. Acute ocular surface congestion was seen in two patients necessitating discontinuation of therapy. CONCLUSION: In view of excellent treatment outcome and few side-effects, interferons can be considered as a primary, safe, and cost-effective treatment option for OSSN not only in tertiary centers but also by peripheral ophthalmologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Report a case of corneal melt in a patient with conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) treated with topical interferon (IFN) alpha-2B. Observations: An 89-year-old man presented with gelatinous paralimbal lesions of the left eye extending onto the cornea with corneal neovascularization extending 5–6 clock hours. Nasally there was mild absence of the terminal vascular loops of the limbal palisades of Vogt and conjunctivalization. Diffuse punctate epithelial erosions were noted. The corneal graft displayed subepithelial and stromal edema. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography detected hyperreflectivity, sectional thickened epithelium, and abrupt transitions from normal to abnormal tissue. The patient was treated with excision of the corneal and conjunctival lesions with cryotherapy to the conjunctival borders. Excisional biopsy revealed CIN Grade 3 and carcinoma in situ of the cornea. Topical IFN alpha-2B four times daily was initiated postoperatively. Two months later, a central epithelial defect developed. The cornea progressively thinned and corneal melt ensued. The patient had several risk factors for corneal melt including neurotrophic cornea, early limbal stem cell deficiency, history of cryotherapy, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and chronic use of glaucoma medications and steroid medications. Conclusions: Interferon alpha-2B is an effective first line treatment for CIN with few side effects. It's side effects include punctate epithelial erosions, conjunctival hyperemia, and follicular conjunctivitis. We report a case of pre-existing keratoconjunctivitis sicca, early limbal stem cell deficiency, neurotrophic cornea, and newly diagnosed CIN Grade 3; it was treated with surgical excision, cryotherapy, and topical IFN alpha-2b with development of corneal melt 2 months later. Caution should be taken when using interferon alpha -2b in patients with pre-existing keratoconjunctivitis sicca, neurotrophic cornea, or limbal stem cell deficiency as it could exacerbate these conditions resulting in corneal melt.

Background. The main etiological factors of acute simple bronchitis in children are respiratory viruses, and therefore interferon preparations can be used in the treatment of these respiratory diseases. The purpose of the work was to study the clinical and immunological efficacy of recombinant alpha 2b interferon in the treatment of acute simple bronchitis in children. Materials and methods. We have examined 49 children aged 2 to 6 years with acute simple bronchitis; 23 children received Laferobion® containing recombinant alpha 2b interferon. Du­ring the work, clinical and laboratory methods of investigation were used. The severity of the patient’s condition was assessed according to the Bronchitis severity score. The laboratory study included: general blood and urine test, nasocytological, immunoassay methods. The etiological diagnosis was established ­using virological methods of investigation. When determining the concentration of interferon gamma, “Gamma interferon-IFA-BEST A-8752” set manufactured by Vector Best was used; lactoferrin — Нuman Lactoferrin NK 329 Edition 06-16 set manufactured by Hycult Biotech (USA), neutrophil a-defensins 1-3 — Нuman HNP NK317 Edition 08-16 reagents manufactured by Hycult Biotech (USA). Results. In all children with acute simple bronchitis, the disease began acutely and manifested itself with catarrhal and general inflammatory syndromes. According to the evaluation of acute simple bronchitis signs at the onset of the disease and in the period of convalescence ­using Bronchitis severity score, the administration of recombinant alpha 2b interferon promotes a faster reduction of all clinical manifestations of the disease and an increase in the lactoferrin content in the oropharyngeal fluid until the period of convalescence. Conclusions. The rectal administration of recombinant alpha 2b interferon Laferobion® is an etiopathogenetic method for the treatment of acute simple bronchitis in children

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report on the efficacy and safety of topical chemotherapy alone for giant ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). Methods: In this retrospective, interventional series, 10 eyes with giant OSSN underwent exfoliative biopsy to confirm the diagnosis followed by application of interferon alpha 2b (IFN α2b) and/or 5 fluorouracil, 1% (5FU). Reported outcome measures were tumor response, visual acuity, recurrence, systemic metastasis, and treatment complications. Results: Ten patients (3 female, 7 male) had a mean age of 73 (median, 69; range 40–89) years. Mean tumor diameter was 13.1 (median, 12.3; range 8.2–19.4) mm. Five (50%) eyes were treated with IFN-α2b alone; 1 (10%) with 5-FU alone and 4 (40%) required both IFN-α2b and 5-FU. The mean duration of treatment was 3, 0.5, and 6.4 months for IFN-α2b alone, 5-FU alone, and both IFN-α2b and 5-FU respectively. Complete tumor response was observed in all 10 cases at mean follow-up of 12.8 (median, 11.5; range, 3–25) months. Complications noted were transient irritation and burning (n = 4), dry eyes (n = 2), and transient flu-like symptoms (n = 2). There was no evidence of chemotherapy-related symblepharon, stem cell deficiency, scleral thinning, or corneal opacity. There were no tumor recurrences, and no patient required surgical excision or cryotherapy. Conclusion: Topical chemotherapy was a safe and effective treatment, inducing complete regression in all cases of giant OSSN in this series. There were no sight-limiting complications.

• N -glycoengineering approach for the design of novel glycosylated human IFN α2b. • Successful human-like N-glycosylated IFN α2b expression by glycoengineered P. pastoris. • Improved plasma half-life of purified glycosylated human IFN α2b. • Glycosylated human IFN α2b is biologically active against HCV and HEV systems. Human interferon alpha 2b (IFN α2b) is a type I interferon exhibiting antiviral, anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory activities. The clinical outcome of the approved recombinant human IFN α2b drugs in the market suffers from short plasma half-life, rapid clearance and other side effects. Human IFN α2b expression in mammalian cell lines results in significant heterogeneity in glycan moieties, inconsistent product quality and high production cost. Potential scope exists for the design and development of a successful expression platform for enhanced human IFN α2b production with improved pharmacokinetic property. Glycoengineering strategy was employed to construct IFN α2b with potential N-glycosylation site to evade the drawbacks of approved recombinant human IFN α2b drugs. Heterogeneity of glycosylation and hypermannosylation in the wild-type strains of Pichia pastoris was circumvented by employing glycoengineered strain (SuperMan5) to produce glycosylated IFN α2b with human type N-glycans. Recombinant SuperMan5 strain expressed human type N-glycosylated IFN α2b with greater homogeneity elucidated by glycan analysis (MALDI-TOF/MS). The purified glycosylated IFN α2b was biologically active, inhibiting the viral replication of HCV and HEV at 85% and 66%, respectively. Pharmacokinetic studies in Wistar rats revealed 1.3 fold increase in plasma half-life for glycosylated IFN α2b compared to standard IFN α2b produced by E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report on the efficacy and safety of topical chemotherapy alone for giant ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).Methods: In this retrospective, interventional series, 10 eyes with giant OSSN underwent exfoliative biopsy to confirm the diagnosis followed by application of interferon alpha 2b (IFN α2b) and/or 5 fluorouracil, 1% (5FU). Reported outcome measures were tumor response, visual acuity, recurrence, systemic metastasis, and treatment complications.Results: Ten patients (3 female, 7 male) had a mean age of 73 (median, 69; range 40-89) years. Mean tumor diameter was 13.1 (median, 12.3; range 8.2-19.4) mm. Five (50%) eyes were treated with IFN-α2b alone; 1 (10%) with 5-FU alone and 4 (40%) required both IFN-α2b and 5-FU. The mean duration of treatment was 3, 0.5, and 6.4 months for IFN-α2b alone, 5-FU alone, and both IFN-α2b and 5-FU respectively. Complete tumor response was observed in all 10 cases at mean follow-up of 12.8 (median, 11.5; range, 3-25) months. Complications noted were transient irritation and burning (n = 4), dry eyes (n = 2), and transient flu-like symptoms (n = 2). There was no evidence of chemotherapy-related symblepharon, stem cell deficiency, scleral thinning, or corneal opacity. There were no tumor recurrences, and no patient required surgical excision or cryotherapy.Conclusion: Topical chemotherapy was a safe and effective treatment, inducing complete regression in all cases of giant OSSN in this series. There were no sight-limiting complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Los tumores vesicales superficiales se caracterizan por una alta tasa de recidiva, que ocurre especialmente dentro de los dos primeros años, y que es aun mayor en los grupos de alto riesgo. Existe consenso en la utilidad del uso del Bacilo de Calmette-Guerin para disminuir la recurrencia tumoral. La quimioterapia intravesical con otros medicamentos han demostrado su utilidad o no en disminuir la recurrencia de estos tumores vesicales. Entre los años 1999 y 2008 se estudian y tratan 110 pacientes (96 hombres y 14 mujeres), con una edad promedio de 63 años, divididos en tres grupos para tratamiento de la recidiva tumoral después de resección transuretral o cistectomía parcial, con tres diferentes agentes quimioprofilácticos e inmunomoduladores (Thio-Tepa, BCG+factor de transferencia, doxorrubicina+interferón alfa 2b). El objetivo de esta investigación fue presentar la experiencia en el tratamiento de estos pacientes, donde se observa mejores resultados en 5 años, con el grupo tratado con doxorrubicina+interferón alfa 2b, seguido del grupo tratado con BCG+factor de transferencia, con una marcada disminución de las recurrencias y una limitación en la progresión de la enfermedad a largo plazo.The superficial bladder tumors are characterized by a high rate of recurrence taking place especially within the first two years that is even higher in the high risk groups. There is an agreement in the usefulness of the Calmette-Guerin Bacillus (CGB) to diminish the tumoral recurrence. The intravesical chemotherapy with other medications have demonstrated its profit or not in decreasing the recurrence of these bladder tumors. Between 1999 and 2008 we studied and treated 110 patients (96 men and 14 women), aged in average 63 years old. They were divided into three groups for the treatment of the tumoral recidivism after the transurethral resection or partial cystectomy, using three different chemoprophylactic agents and inmunomodulators (Thio-Tepa, BCG+Transference Factor, Doxorubicin +Interferon Alpha 2b). The objective of this research was presenting our experience in the treatment of these patients during five years, obtaining better results in the group treated with doxorubicin + interferon alpha 2b, followed by the group treated by means of BCG + transference factor, with a remarked decrease of the recurrence and a limitation in the long term progression of the disease.

Interferon alpha 2b is the only standard therapeutic protein for hepatitis virus infections. Further study demonstrated that this protein also posseses antitumor activity in several cancerous organs. One main pathway of this antitumor activity is mediated through antiproliferation as well as proapoptotic effects. Previously, we have successfully developed recombinant human interferon alpha 2b (rhIFNα2b) by using a synthetic gene. In addition, two mutein forms of rhIFNα2b were generated to improve the characteristics of this protein. Two point mutations showed better pharmacokinetic profiles than one point mutation as well as the native form. In the present study, this mutein form was studied for ist antitumor effect in vitro using HepG2 cells. As a comparison, the native form as well as a commercial rIFNα2b were used. Several parameters were investigated including the MTT assay, cell viability test, cell cycle using flow cytometric analysis, and the genes and protein expressions involved in cell growth. The latest was observed to study the mechanism of rhIFNα2b. There was no significant difference in the MTT assay and cell viability after cells were treated with both forms of rhIFNα2b. However, the mutein rhiFNα2b tended to show better proapoptotic activity reflected by flow cytometric data, protein expression of pSTAT 1, and DNA expression of caspase 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuropsychiatric adverse effects of interferon (IFN) alpha are well known. There is little clinically relevant research on animal models of depression with recombinant human IFN alpha 2b (rhIFN-α2b). Aim: To identify an appropriate dose and duration of administration of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (rhIFN-α2b) to establish a convenient and clinically relevant murine model of chronic rhIFN-α2b-induced depression using the forced swim test (FST). Materials and Methods: Using a 4×3 factorial design, rhIFN-α2b was administered subcutaneously to mice (n=180) in the dose range of 400, 800, and 1600 IU/g/day for 5, 10, and 15 days; saline-treated mice formed the control groups. In each group, 1 day after the last dose, the mice were assessed for immobility in the FST. In another experiment, at these same doses and time points, the effect of rhIFN-α2b on murine motility was assessed in the small open field. Results: We found that rhIFN-α2b significantly increased immobility in the FST. The immobility was detectable by day 5 and did not increase with duration of IFN treatment. The immobility was apparent with the 400 IU/g/day dose and was not greater at higher IFN doses. At no dose or time point did rhIFN-α2b alter murine motility in the small open field. Conclusion: We conclude that rhIFN-α2b-induced behavioral despair, represented by immobility in the FST, is not due to reduced basal motility. The FST may therefore be used as a convenient Swiss albino mouse model of chronic rhIFN-α2b-induced depression with a 400-1600 IU/g/day dose administered subcutaneously for 5-15 days. The most economical model is 400 IU/g/day administered for 5 days [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain but treatment remains empirical. Objective: To investigate the effect of interferon alpha 2b on pain, morning stiffness and tenderness of heels in patient with plantar fasciitis. Methods: Three hundred seventy six patients with plantar fasciitis enrolled in this study. The patients divided into two groups: Group one received interferon alpha 2b 3MIU\evry 3days and group two treated with diclofenac. 50 mg two times daily with heel pads. The study conducted for 12 week. Results: 92% of group one patients who received interferon alpha 2b became completely asymptomatic at week 6. At week 12 96.8% became completely free of symptoms. Conclusion: Treatment with interferon alpha 2b in patients who had plantar fasciitis seems to be effective bringing complete cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to clarify the pharmacokinetics of ribavirin and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) 2b when administered in combination for 24 weeks and effects of pharmacokinetics of both on treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis C with genotype 1b and high viral load. Methods In this multicentre open study, 27 patients received 2-week daily induction therapy followed by 22-week, three-times-a-week maintenance therapy of intramuscular IFN-α 2b at a dose of 6 million units and oral ribavirin at 400 mg twice daily for 24 weeks, and followed up for 24 weeks post-treatment. Single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic studies were assessed by serial measurements of serum concentrations of both compounds at weeks 1 and 24. Results Five patients attained sustained virological response. Serum ribavirin concentrations asymptoted after 4–8 weeks of treatment in all patients. The steady-state concentration correlated significantly with serum ribavirin clearance after multiple dosing (r = -0.875; 95% CI -0.932, -0.721; P < 0.001). Serum concentrations at weeks 4 and 8, C max and AUC(0,12 h) after multiple dosing and AUC(0,28 weeks) of ribavirin were significantly higher in sustained virological responders than in virological responders or nonresponders (P < 0.05, each). Increased C max and accumulation index of AUC(0,12 h) (median 10.5; 95% CI 6.4, 12.4), and prolonged washout half-life after multiple dosing reflected accumulation and slow clearance of ribavirin from the tissue compartments. Conclusions Continuous exposure and accumulation of ribavirin may be necessary for sustained virological response to combination therapy in chronic hepatitis C with genotype 1b and high viral load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gender-specific prevalence of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) in premenopausal women suggests a hormonal etiology. Despite the antiestrogenic treatment (ovariectomy, tamoxifen) this disease is often refractory to therapy and almost inevitably leads to the patient's death. We describe a case where the antiproliferative effect of systemically applied interferon alpha 2b was successfully employed in addition to ovariectomy and the patient reached complete remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a prospective clinical trial involving six patients suffering from essential thrombocythemia (ET), recombinant human interferon alpha 2b significantly and consistently lowered highly elevated peripheral platelet numbers over long time periods. One patient has now been on continuous treatment for 4 years. During the treatment phase none of the patients suffered from bleeding episodes, thrombosis or disturbances of the microcirculation. The interferon maintenance dose varies considerably from patient to patient, but it is usually much lower than the induction dose. One of the patients had to be withdrawn from the study due to interferon-specific chronic toxicity concomitant with the development of non-neutralizing interferon antibodies. With the exception of one patient, stopping interferon treatment led to an increase in peripheral platelet numbers of up to one million cells per microliter of blood within 4 to 12 weeks. We conclude that interferon alpha can correct peripheral thrombocytosis in selected patients with essential thrombocythemia over a period of years and prevent morbidity attributable to this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Los tumores vesicales superficiales se caracterizan por una alta tasa de recidiva, que ocurre especialmente dentro de los dos primeros años, y que es aun mayor en los grupos de alto riesgo. Existe consenso en la utilidad del uso del Bacilo de Calmette-Guerin para disminuir la recurrencia tumoral. La quimioterapia intravesical con otros medicamentos han demostrado su utilidad o no en disminuir la recurrencia de estos tumores vesicales. Entre los años 1999 y 2008 se estudian y tratan 110 pacientes (96 hombres y 14 mujeres), con una edad promedio de 63 años, divididos en tres grupos para tratamiento de la recidiva tumoral después de resección transuretral o cistectomía parcial, con tres diferentes agentes quimioprofilácticos e inmunomoduladores (Thio-Tepa, BCG+factor de transferencia, doxorrubicina+interferón alfa 2b). El objetivo de esta investigación fue presentar la experiencia en el tratamiento de estos pacientes, donde se observa mejores resultados en 5 años, con el grupo tratado con doxorrubicina+interferón alfa 2b, seguido del grupo tratado con BCG+factor de transferencia, con una marcada disminución de las recurrencias y una limitación en la progresión de la enfermedad a largo plazo.

Introduction. Juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis (JLP) is the most common benign tumor affecting the larynx in childhood. It is considered the second cause of hoarseness in children. Peak incidence occurs between 2 and 4 years. The etiology is viral, often being criminalized EHPV serotypes 6 and 11. Recurrence and severity of the condition is due to the combination HPV 6:11 and impared immune status. Currently, HPV research suggests a genetic predisposition. Material and methods. We propose to evaluate the recurrence in patients with JLP receiving combined treatment with C02 laser and adjuvant therapy with interferon alpha 2b. Between 2009-2014 were admitted to the ENT Department Timişoara a total of 13 patients (children) with JLP, aged between 2 years and 9 months and 15 years. All patients followed surgical treatment with C02 laser and adjuvant therapy with interferon alpha 2b. Results. Nine patients had EHPV subtypes 6, and the other four had HPV subtypes 6:11. Postoperatively: 9 patients had complete regression; 4 cases revealed a partial response to combined treatment, and a new C02 laser surgical reintervention or just re-treatment with interferon were necessary. No tracheotomy was performed. There were no intra- or postoperative complications and no adverse effects of treatment with interferon alpha 2b. Conclusions. The advantages of combined treatment are: good functional outcome, local control of the tumor for long periods and short hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]