BACKGROUND: Interferons have been reported to significantly contribute to tumor suppression via both induction of p53 gene expression and inhibition of angiogenesis. OBJECTIVE: The assessment of treatment toxicity and antitumoral effectiveness of continuous IV administration of interferon-beta based on an overall evaluation of laboratory, radiographic, and clinical parameters observed during the trial. METHODS: The authors treated patients with advanced malignant melanoma with continuous IV infusions of 1 x 10(6) IU interferon-beta daily ( approximately 0.6 x 10(6) IU interferon-beta/m2 daily). RESULTS: Continuous IV administration of interferon-beta had no significant effect on overall patient outcome. Interferon side effects were not a reason for treatment discontinuation in any of the patients observed during this trial. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous IV interferon-beta had no significant effect on overall patient outcome in a group of patients with advanced malignant melanoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the continuous IV administration of interferon-beta in patients with advanced malignant melanoma.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Interferons have been reported to significantly contribute to tumor suppression via both induction of p53 gene expression and inhibition of angiogenesis. OBJECTIVE: The assessment of treatment toxicity and antitumoral effectiveness of continuous IV administration of interferon-beta based on an overall evaluation of laboratory, radiographic, and clinical parameters observed during the trial. METHODS: The authors treated patients with advanced malignant melanoma with continuous IV infusions of 1 x 10(6) IU interferon-beta daily ( approximately 0.6 x 10(6) IU interferon-beta/m2 daily). RESULTS: Continuous IV administration of interferon-beta had no significant effect on overall patient outcome. Interferon side effects were not a reason for treatment discontinuation in any of the patients observed during this trial. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous IV interferon-beta had no significant effect on overall patient outcome in a group of patients with advanced malignant melanoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the continuous IV administration of interferon-beta in patients with advanced malignant melanoma.