[Current status of interferon therapy on malignant brain tumor].

Since 1979 we have conducted phase I and Phase II clinical studies of interferon in malignant brain tumors. Twenty-nine patients were treated in this study. The interferon preparation used had a specific activity of 10(7) I.U./mg protein (beta-type). The drug was administered daily in doses ranging from 1.0-6.0 X 10(6) I.U. intravenously or injected locally (intratumorous, intrathecal) in 1-2ml of saline solution through Ommay's reservoir. The administration was continued as many days as possible, 8 weeks being the shortest period. The efficacy of the therapy was assessed by the neurological improvements, changes in Karnovsky's performance status and CT findings (computed volume of the tumor). In this series, the following results were obtained: In glioblastoma, Complete Remission ...1, Partial Remission ...7, Stable ...5 and Progression ...7. In medulloblastoma, Complete Remission ...2, Partial Remission ...1, Stable ...1 and Progression ...0. With respect to the total dosis of interferon and the duration of the therapy, the better response was seen in the cases of the higher dosis and the longer period. Aside from a transient fever, interferon therapy was free from major side effects. Interferon seems to have dual action on controlling tumor tissue, i.e., direct action similar to that of chemotherapeutic agents and indirect immunological action. The antitumor effect of interferon therapy used in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy should also be investigated.