Limited regression of central giant cell granuloma by interferon alpha after failed calcitonin therapy: a report of 2 cases.

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a benign lesion of the jaws with a sometimes locally aggressive behaviour. The most common therapy is surgical curettage which has a high recurrence rate, especially in lesions with aggressive signs and symptoms (i.e. pain, paresthesia, root-resorption and rapid growth). Alternative therapies such as interferon alpha (INFalpha) or calcitonin are described in the literature. In this study 2 patients with an aggressive CGCG are presented who were treated with INF mono-therapy. INF mono-therapy was capable of terminating the rapid growth of the lesion in both patients and induced a partial reduction. Total resolution, however, was not obtained and alternative treatment is still necessary.