[Immunoprophylaxis of superficial tumors of the bladder with interferon alfa-2b. Our experience]. / Inmunoprofilaxis de los tumores superficiales de vejiga con interferon alfa 2b. Nuestra experiencia.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to determine the usefulness of prophylactic therapy with alpha 2b interferon for superficial bladder tumors. METHOD: Following complete TUR, alpha 2b infereron was administered to 36 patients at a dose of 50 million IU weekly for 3 months and monthly for 9 months. Patients were evaluated every 3 months on the basis of their clinical and analytical data and the cystoscopic findings. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients completed treatment and were evaluable. The follow up and disease-free period was 25.70 months. Recurrence was observed in 38.4% of the patients and tumor progression in 3.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha 2b interferon is useful in the prevention of tumor recurrence. Its utility is similar to that of other drugs currently used.