OBJECTIVE: To provide an update on the use of interferon (IFN) in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: A literature review of intravesical IFN was performed. RESULTS: In vitro evidence suggested that IFN combined with BCG may have a synergistic effect on the immune response, and treatment regimens with IFN have used reduced BCG dosage in an attempt to reduce toxicity. IFN combined with BCG may salvage some patients, single-course BCG failures or late relapsers, while those that relapse quickly may be destined to failure. However, based on the results of a recently reported randomized trial, the addition of IFN may not improve efficacy in BCG naïve patients. CONCLUSIONS: BCG plus IFN remains an alternative in selected patients with NMIBC who fail intravesical BCG.
OBJECTIVE: To provide an update on the use of interferon (IFN) in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: A literature review of intravesical IFN was performed. RESULTS: In vitro evidence suggested that IFN combined with BCG may have a synergistic effect on the immune response, and treatment regimens with IFN have used reduced BCG dosage in an attempt to reduce toxicity. IFN combined with BCG may salvage some patients, single-course BCG failures or late relapsers, while those that relapse quickly may be destined to failure. However, based on the results of a recently reported randomized trial, the addition of IFN may not improve efficacy in BCG naïve patients. CONCLUSIONS: BCG plus IFN remains an alternative in selected patients with NMIBC who fail intravesical BCG.
Authors: M Craig Hall; Sam S Chang; Guido Dalbagni; Raj Som Pruthi; John Derek Seigne; Eila Curlee Skinner; J Stuart Wolf; Paul F Schellhammer Journal: J Urol Date: 2007-12 Impact factor: 7.450
Authors: Adrian P M van der Meijden; Richard J Sylvester; Wim Oosterlinck; Wolfgang Hoeltl; Aldo V Bono Journal: Eur Urol Date: 2003-10 Impact factor: 20.096
Authors: J A Martínez-Piñeiro; N Flores; S Isorna; E Solsona; J L Sebastián; C Pertusa; L A Rioja; L Martínez-Piñeiro; R Vela; J E Camacho; J L Nogueira; I Pereira; L Resel; P Muntañola; F Galvis; N Chesa; J A De Torres; J Carballido; C Bernuy; S Arribas; R Madero Journal: BJU Int Date: 2002-05 Impact factor: 5.588