A pilot study of recombinant interferon beta (IFN-beta ser) in patients with recurrent glioma.

Recombinant interferon beta (IFN-beta ser) has been administered by intravenous bolus injection three times weekly at a dose of 90 x 10(6) IU to 14 patients with recurrent malignant glioma in an ongoing study. The treatment period has ranged from 1 to 40 weeks. The most common adverse experiences were fever, chills, malaise, and headache. Fever, chills and headache were worse with the first two doses and were usually relieved with acetaminophen. All patients tolerated subsequent treatments without any difficulties. No neurologic or hematologic toxicities were observed. Of ten evaluable patients, five had progressive disease in 4 to 8 weeks; three had stable disease for 12 to 21 weeks; one has had a minor response for 13 weeks; and one has had a complete resolution of tumor for 150 + weeks. IFN-beta ser appears to have activity in human glioma and is well tolerated at this dosage and schedule.