Clinical, serologic, and immunologic effects of human leukocyte interferon in HBsAg-positive primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

Five patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive chronic hepatitis and histologically confirmed primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) were treated with 3 X 10(6) units/day of partially purified human leukocyte interferon intramuscularly for 2 consecutive months. During interferon therapy, one patient had stable disease, while the remaining four patients had progressive disease. Following interferon therapy no changes were noted in the hepatitis B viral markers or in serum alphafetoprotein levels. Data on the effects of human leukocyte interferon on lymphocyte subpopulations and on the cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells against a hepatitis B surface antigen expressing primary hepatocellular carcinoma cell line are presented.