Recombinant interferon alpha-2b in patients with metastatic apudomas: effect on tumours and tumour markers

Abstract

Kvols, 1986a;Moertel et al., 1980). Because of the similar properties, often common chemotherapy protocols are used for the different manifestations of APUD tumours (Kelsen et al., 1982;Kessinger et al., 1983). The most effective regimen for carcinoid tumours appears to be the combination of 5-fluorouracil and streptozotocin (Moertel, 1987) We conducted a trial with recombinant human IFN a-2b administered daily to patients with progressive malignant carcinoid tumours, islet cell tumours and medullary carcinomas of the thyroid. In addition, apart from the urinary 5-hydoxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) level, the significance of platelet serotonin levels, serum or plasma levels of neuronspecific enolase (NSE), and urinary levels of serotonin, catecholamine and histamine as markers for the diagnosis and course of carcinoid tumours was studied during IFN a-2b treatment.Finally, the development of neutralising IFN a-2b antibodies during long-term IFN treatment was studied, since neutralising antibodies can develop during IFN a-2b treatment (Spiegel et al., 1986;Oberg et al., 1989b

New therapeutic approaches to metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: A glimpse into the future

“…Though recently this has changed. Combination of chemotherapy and IFN-α therapy does not appear to improve on the results of monotherapy[46,47]. …”

Should interferon-α and somatostatin analogs be combined in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor therapy?

“…Since then, more than 500 patients with NETs have been treated with IFN worldwide. Several studies were published reporting 40-70% of symptomatic, 40-50% biochemical, and 10-15% antiproliferative activities [36][37][38][39][40]. Dose and schedule varied from 3.000.000 IU subcutaneously 3 times a week to 9.000.000 IU subcutaneously daily (Table 2).…”

Carcinoid Tumors: Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment

“…Interferon-α (IFN-α) was introduced by our group in the treatment of carcinoid tumors in 1982 [49], because of its ability to stimulate natural killer cell function and to control hormone secretion, clinical symptoms, and tumor growth. Since then, more than 400 patients with carcinoid tumors have been treated with IFN-α in our institution, and as many have been reported in the literature [50][51][52][53]. Natural human leukocyte interferon contains more than 15 subtypes of IFN-α, whereas the recombinant IFN-α 2b (Intron-A ® ) and 2a (Roferon ® ) contain one subtype of interferon.…”