Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma with interferon.

ABSTRACT

Human natural leukocytic interferon and recombinant HulFN alpha 2c can be used in the therapy of squamous cell carcinoma. The duration of treatment was 3-6 weeks. A single dose was 400,000-5,000,000 units given weekly for 3-6 weeks. Clinically and histologically 19 of 32 patients were cured and tumor cells were not found in the material taken after interferon treatment for the second biopsy. In ten patients tumor size was reduced 25-90%, and in three patients tumor size was not reduced according to clinical findings. With recombinant HulFN alpha 2c therapy given 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Four of ten patients with similar tumors were cured clinically and histologically clinical findings. In five patients tumor size was reduced 25-90%, while in one patient there was no reduction in tumor size. Both types of interferons are effective in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. Side reactions were mild.