Human Leukocyte Interferon for the Treatment of Herpes Zoster in Patients with Cancer

Abstract

We tested the effect of human leukocyte interferon on early localized herpes zoster infections in three placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind trials involving 90 patients with cancer. There were no significant differences in pretreatment severity of infection or nature of underlying disease in the groups. Higher dosages of more purified interferon in the second and third trials produced a significant (P less than or equal to 0.01) decrease in cutaneous dissemination. No dissemination occurred in those receiving the highest dosage (5.1 x 10(5) U per kilogram per day) (P less than or equal to 0.025). The number of days of new-vesicle formation in the primary dermatome decreased (mean, 2.3 days, P less than or equal to 0.05) in this group. Treated patients had a trend toward less acute pain, and significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) diminished severity of post-herpetic neuralgia, at the two highest dosage levels. Visceral complications were six times less frequent in interferon recipients. High-dosage interferon appeared effective in limiting cutaneous dissemination, visceral complications and progression within the primary dermatome.

Regulation of interferon receptor expression in human blood lymphocytes in vitro and during interferon therapy.

“…In vivo studies were done on PBL isolated from patients being treated with (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25) gl) were mixed with an equal volume of electrophoresis buffer (containing I mM dithiothreitol and 2-mercaptoethanol), boiled for 5 min, and subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) using 7.5% gels (18). Gels were dried under vacuum, and exposed to XAR film ( Cells were treated with IFN a2, and subsequent '25I-IFN a2 binding assays were performed as described in Fig.…”

Effect of Bovine 1 Interferon on Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1-induced Respiratory Disease

“…Since the discovery of interferon (Isaacs & Lindenmann, 1957) and the demonstration that it could inhibit replication of a wide variety of viruses in vitro, considerable interest has been generated concerning its potential application as an antiviral agent in vivo (Arvin et al, 1976;Merigan, 1982;Merigan et al, 1968Merigan et al, , 1973Merigan et al, , 1978De Clercq & De Somer, 1968;Douglas & Betts, 1974;Dziewanowska & Pestka, 1982). Although the quantities and purity of interferon were limited, various groups have clearly demonstrated that in at least some virus diseases, treatment with exogenous interferon has a beneficial effect.…”

Prevention of Vaccinia Lesions in Rhesus Monkeys by Human Leucocyte and Fibroblast Interferon

“…Treatment schedules in different studies vary considerably: clearly the optimal dose, frequency and route of administration are not known. High doses of interferon are found to be necessary to influence the course of an established virus infection (Merigan et al 1978). Less interferon may be needed for prevention of virus disease.…”