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Intratumor administration of beta-interferon in recurrent malignant gliomas: a phase I clinical and laboratory study

Authors :
Fetell, Michael R.
Housepian, Edgar M.
Oster, Martin W.
Cote, Debra N.
Sisti, Michael B.
Marcus, Stephen G.
Fisher, Paul B.
Source :
Cancer. Jan 1, 1990, Vol. 65 Issue 1, p78, 6 p.
Publication Year :
1990

Abstract

Patients with malignant glioma, a tumor affecting the glia cells that form the supporting tissue of the nervous system, have a very poor prognosis. In addition, the available chemotherapeutic agents may produce serious toxicity in the brain and retina. For these reasons, considerable attention has been paid to biological response modifiers, a loosely related class of pharmacological compounds that affect cell growth and act upon the immune system. Among these compounds is beta-interferon, which has been shown to have some antitumor activity in both tissue culture experiments and in patients. Although beta-interferon causes side effects such as fatigue, fever, chills, and myalgia when administered systemically, it is well tolerated when injected directly into the tumor itself. In order to determine patient tolerance to beta-serine-interferon, doses from 5 to 180 million units were administered to 20 patients with recurrent glioma. The interferon was administered through an Ommaya brand reservoir which was implanted with its catheter tip in the center of the tumor cavity after surgical removal of the bulk of glioma. All 20 patients have died, but 12 lived long enough for evaluation. Of those 12, 3 had their disease stabilized for 5 to 18 months. There was no correlation between the interferon dose and survival. Since all patients also received radiotherapy and six had received chemotherapy, few conclusions can be drawn about the efficacy of interferon. It can be stated, however, that even the maximum dose used in this study was well tolerated by the patients. The Ommaya reservoir, which functions well when used to administer drugs directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, had a tendency to clog when implanted into a tumor bed. Obstruction of the catheter or infection occurred in 30 percent of the patients in this study. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Details

ISSN :
0008543X
Volume :
65
Issue :
1
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Cancer
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
edsgcl.8844105