Management of cancer patients receiving interferon alfa-2a

✍ Scribed by L. Gauci

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1987
• Tongue: French
• Weight: 652 KB
• Volume: 39
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0020-7136
• DOI: 10.1002/ijc.2910390706

✦ Synopsis

This is a review of the data on the safety and tolerance of interferon alfa-2a in the treatment of cancer patients and is particularly aimed at patient care. Since 1981, interferon alfa-2a prepared from human sources has been administered t o over 2500 cancer patients and 2500 patients with viral diseases. Adverse effects have been invariably produced following parenteral injections of > 3 X lo6 IU. These were mainly flu-like symptoms (> 9oo/o), fatigue (90%), gastrointestinal (8s0/o), central nervous system (65%) and musculoskeletal (60%) disorders. Laboratory abnormalities, though common (> 750/0) were rarely dose limiting. Their severity can be reduced by using dose schedules which promote tachyphylaxis, co-medication with paracetamol and evening administration. Fatigue is best controlled by careful dose attenuation and occasional therapy rest periods. A t dosages of 3 x 106-18 x lo6 IU/injection, interferon alfa-2a therapy can be safely managed on an out-patient basis, requiring minimal or no hospitalization. The frequency and low titre of antibody development t o interferon alfa-2a indicates that it is a weak antigen and is suitable for long-term therapeutic application.

'Schellekens et a/., 1982.