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Treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with a combination of human recombinant α-2b interferon and doxorubicin: Results of a pilot study
- Source :
- European Journal of Cancer. 30:1319-1325
- Publication Year :
- 1994
- Publisher :
- Elsevier BV, 1994.
-
Abstract
- Based on the in vitro and in vivo potentiation of the cytotoxic activity of chemotherapeutic agents by the interferons, a pilot study combining human recombinant α-2b interferon (IFN) and doxorubicin was conducted for the treatment of unresectable, histologically proven hepatocellular carcinoma. Between March 1988 and May 1990, 21 patients (median age: 60 years, range: 29–76) entered the study. The dose of doxorubicin was fixed at 35 mg/m 2 , every 3 weeks. The dose of α-2b IFN was 6 million U/m 2 per day, 5 days a week. 3 patients (14%) obtained a partial response lasting 11, 16 and 30 months, and 1 had a stable disease during 8 months. The other 17 patients died within a median survival time of 4 months. All patients experienced flu-like symptoms. 7 patients experienced WHO grade III–IV haematological toxicity. We conclude that the association of α-2b IFN and doxorubicin is feasible, with respect to the use of doxorubicin at an inferior dose level than the same agent used without IFN. The response rate is comparable to that observed with doxorubicin used alone. Further phase I studies and randomised trials are required to confirm the role of this regimen in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Male
Cancer Research
medicine.medical_specialty
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
Neutropenia
medicine.medical_treatment
Alpha interferon
Pilot Projects
Interferon alpha-2
Gastroenterology
Interferon
Internal medicine
medicine
Humans
Doxorubicin
Interferon alfa
Aged
Chemotherapy
business.industry
Liver Neoplasms
Interferon-alpha
Immunotherapy
Middle Aged
Alkaline Phosphatase
medicine.disease
Combined Modality Therapy
Thrombocytopenia
Recombinant Proteins
Surgery
Regimen
Treatment Outcome
Oncology
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Female
alpha-Fetoproteins
business
medicine.drug
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 09598049
- Volume :
- 30
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- European Journal of Cancer
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....81b5be172aa5c7eaffc1f61db3b1f272