Intralesional recombinant alpha 2B interferon in the treatment of human papillomavirus-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Twenty-four patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN); of whom 13 had CIN 1, 8 had CIN 2, and 3 had CIN 3; were treated with recombinant alpha 2b interferon (IFN) by intraperilesional injections. The dosage given was 3 x 10(6) international units per day, 3 days per week for 3 weeks. In situ hybridization was carried out for HPV types 6/11 and 16/18. One year after treatment, complete response was observed in 8 (33%) cases, partial regression in 14 (58%) cases, persistence in 2 (8%) cases (in which case traditional surgical therapy was performed), and progression in none of the cases. Adverse effects (asthenia, fever, chills, and headache) were observed in 20 (83%) cases. None of the patients had myelodepression. Intraperilesional treatment of HPV-associated CIN with recombinant alpha 2B IFN does not appear to be a valid substitute for traditional treatment, but it could be considered in certain cases when surgery is not advised.