Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Interferon-α: Its Current Clinical Utility and Future Perspectives

  • Conference paper
Interferons

  • 97 Accesses

Abstract

Interferons are a diverse group of proteins exhibiting a multiplicity of effects on many regulatory cells of the immune system. Of these, interferon-α(IFN-α) enjoys the widest clinical use. In previous chapters, its efficacy in a variety of viral, immunological, and neoplastic disorders has been discussed in detail. In this concluding chapter, we wish to summarize its clinical utility, i.e., the benefit to patients of treatment with IFN-α, and to give a short look forward to future developments.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Diaz MO, Rubin CM, Harden A et al (1990) Deletions of interferon genes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. N Engl J Med 322: 77–82

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Dorr RT (1993) Interferon-αin malignant and viral diseases. A review. Drugs 45: 177–211

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Rosa F, Fellous M (1984) The effect of gamma-interferon on MHC antigens. Immuno Today 5: 261–262

    Google Scholar 

  4. Worman CP, Catovsky D, Cawley JC et al (1987) The UK experience with human lymphoblastoid interferon in HCL: a report of the first 50 cases. Leukemia 1: 320

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Golomb HM, Jacobs A, Fefer A et al (1986) Alpha-2 interferon therapy of hairy cell leukemia: a multicenter study of 64 patients. J Clin Oncol 4: 900–908

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Quesada JR, Lepe-Zuniga J, Gutterman JU (1987) Mid-term observation of the efficacy of alpha-interferon in hairy cell leukemia and status of the interferon system of patients in remission. Leukemia 1: 317–323

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Skotnicki AB, Wolska-Smolen T, Blicharski J et al (1988) Human recombinant interferon alpha-2 in the treatment of patients with hairy cell leukemia. Cancer Detect Prevent 12: 511–522

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Swarzinger I, Bettelheim P, Chott A et al (1988) Recombinant alpha interferon for progressive hairy cell leukemia: a study in previously untreated splenectomized patients. Wien Klin Wochenschr 100: 47–52

    Google Scholar 

  9. Bernman E, Heller G, Kempin S (1990) Incidence of response and long-term follow-up in patients with hairy cell leukemia treated with recombinant interferon alpha 2a. Blood 75: 839–842

    Google Scholar 

  10. Quesada JR, Reuben J, Manning JT, Hersh EM, Gutterman JU (1984) Alpha-interferon for induction of remission in hairy cell leukemia. N Engl J Med 310: 15–18

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Capnist G, Federico M, Chisesi T et al (1994) Long term results of interferon treatment in hairy cell leukemia. Italian Cooperative Group of hairy cell leukemia (ICGHCL). Leuk Lymphoma 14: 547–564

    Google Scholar 

  12. Krown SE, Real FX, Cunningham-Rundles S et al (1983) Preliminary observations on the effect of recombinant leukocyte A interferon in homosexual men with Kaposi’s sarcoma. N Engl J Med 308: 1071–1076

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Groopman JE, Gottlieb MS, Goodman J et al (1984) Recombinant alpha-2 interferon therapy for Kaposi’s sarcoma associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Ann Int Med 100: 671–676

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Real FX, Oettgen HF, Krown SE (1986) Kaposi’s sarcoma and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: treatment with high and low doses of recombinant leukocyte A interferon. J Clin Oncol 4: 544–551

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Volberding PA, Mitsuyasu RT, Golando JP, Spiegel RJ (1987) Treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma with interferon alpha 2b (Intron A). Cancer 59: 620–625

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. de Wit R, Schatenkerk JK, Boucher CB et al (1988) Clinical and virological effects of high dose recombinant interferon-α in disseminated, AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma. Lancet 2: 1214–1217

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Krigel RL, Slywotzky CM, Lonberg M (1988) Treatment of epidemic Kaposi’s sarcoma with a combination of interferon alpha 2b and etoposide. J Biol Resp Mod 7: 359–364

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Kovacs JA, Deyton L, Davey R, Falloon J, Zunich K (1989) Combined zidovudine and interferon-αtherapy in patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ann Intern Med 111: 280–287

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Krown SE, Gold JWM, Niedzwiecki D et al (1990) Interferon alpha with zidovudine: safety, tolerance and clinical and virologic effects in patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ann Intern Med 112: 812–821

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Fischl MA, Uttamchandni RB, Resnick L (1991) A phase I study of recombinant human interferons alpha 2a or human lymphoblastoid interferon alpha n-i and concomitant zidovudine in patients with AIDS related Kaposi’s sarcoma. J Acquired Immun Def Syndr 4: 1–10

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Talpaz M, Kantarjian HM, McCredie KB et al (1987) Clinical investigation of human alpha interferon in chronic myelogenous leukemia. Blood 69: 1280–1288

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Talpaz M, Kantarjian H, Kurzrock R et al (1991) Interferon-alpha produces sustained cytogenetic responses in chronic myelogenous leukemia Philadelphia-chromosome-positive patients. Ann Intern Med 114: 532 538

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Ozer H, George SL, Schiffer CA et al (1993) Prolonged subcutaneous administration of recombinant alpha 2b interferon in patients with previously untreated Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia: effect on remission duration and survival. Cancer and Leukemia Group B study 8583. Blood 82: 2975–2984

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Italian Cooperative Study Group on Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (1994) Interferon alfa-2a as compared with conventional chemotherapy for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. N Engl J Med 330: 820–825

    Google Scholar 

  25. Hehlmann R, Heimpel H, Hasford J et al (1994) Randomized comparison of interferon-alpha with busulfan and hydroxyurea in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Blood 84: 4064–4077

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Ohnishi K, Ohno R, Tomonaga M et al (1995) A randomized trial comparing interferon-α with busulfan for newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase. Blood 86: 906–916

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Cregan ET, Ahmann DL, Green SJ et al (1984) Phase II study of low dose recombinant leukocyte A interferon in disseminated malignant melanoma. J Clin Oncol 2: 1002–1009

    Google Scholar 

  28. Robinson WA, Mughal TI, Thomas MR, Johnson M, Spiegel RJ (1986) Treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma with recombinant interferon alpha 2. Immunobiology 172: 275–286

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Sertoli MR, Bernengo MG, Ardizzoni A et al (1989) Phase II trial of recombinant alpha-2b interferon in the treatment of metastatic skin melanoma. Oncology 46: 96–103

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Keilholz U, Scheibenbogen C, Stoelben E, Saeger HD, Hunstein W (1994) Immunotherapy of metastatic melanoma with interferon-alpha and interleukin-2: pattern of progression in responders and patients with stable disease with or without resection of residual lesions. Eur J Cancer 30: 955–958

    Google Scholar 

  31. Fierlbeck G, Schreiner T, Rassner G (1995) Combination of highly purified human leukocyte interferon alpha and 13-cis retinoic acid for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 40: 157–164

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Figlin RA, Callaghan M, Sarna A (1983) Phase II trial of a (human leukocyte) interferon administered daily in adenocarcinoma of the colon/rectum. Cancer Treat Rep 67: 1009–1012

    Google Scholar 

  33. Wadler S, Schwartz EL, Goldman M et al (1989) Fluorouracil and recombinant alfa-2a-interferon: an active regimen against advanced colorectal carcinoma. J Clin Oncol 7: 1769–1775

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Martoni A, Bidin L, Zamagni C, Cricca A, Pannuti F (1995) Failure to increase 5-fluorouracil activity with interferon-alpha 2a in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Eur J Cancer 31: 127

    Google Scholar 

  35. Niloff JM, Knapp RC, Jones G, Schaetzel EM, Bast RC (1985) Recombinant leukocyte a-interferon in advanced ovarian carcinoma. Cancer Treat Rep 69: 895–896

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Polorossi F, Villa S, Barni S, Tancini G, Andres M, Lissoni P (1995) Second-line therapy with interferon-alpha plus vinblastine in metastatic renal cell cancer patients progressed under interleukin-2 subcutaneous immunotherapy. Tumori 81: 45–47

    Google Scholar 

  37. Sella A, Kilbourn RG, Gray I et al (1994) Phase I study of interleukin-2 combined with interferon-alpha and 5-fluorouracil in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer. Cancer Biother 9: 103–111

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Besana C, Borri A, Bucci E, Citterio G, Di-Lucca G (1994) Treatment of advanced renal cell cancer with sequential intravenous recombinant interleukin-2 and subcutaneous alpha-interferon. Eur J Cancer 30: 1292–1298

    Google Scholar 

  39. Quesada JR, Alexanian R, Hawkins M et al (1986) Treatment of multiple myeloma with recombinant α-interferon. Blood 67: 275–278

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Mandelli F, Avvisati G, Amadori S et al (1990) A maintenance treatment with recombinant interferon alpha 2b in patients with multiple myeloma responding to conventional induction chemotherapy. N Engl J Med 322: 1430–1434

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Palmieri G, Morabito A, Rea A et al (1994) Cytosine-arabinoside (Ara-C) plus alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) determine prolonged complete remissions in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma partially responsive to first-line doxorubicin-containing regimens. Br J Haematol 88: 421–423

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Foon KA, Sherwin SA, Abrams PG et al (1984) Treatment of advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recombinant leukocyte A interferon. N Engl J Med 311: 1148–1152

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Leavitt RD, Ratanatharathorn V, Ozer H et al (1987) Alfa-2b interferon in the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Semin Oncol 14: 18–23

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Olsen EA, Rosen ST, Vollmer RT et al (1989) Interferon alfa-2a in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 20: 395–407

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Zackheim HS (1994) Treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Semin Dermatol 13: 207–215

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Torii H, Kaneko T, Matsujama T, Nakanishi H, Harada S (1994) Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and etretinate in the treatment of mycosis fungoides. J Dermatol 21: 767–770

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Ozzelo L, De-Rosa CM, Blank EW et al (1994) Experimental immunotherapy of breast cancer using alpha interferon conjugated to monoclonal antibody Mc5. Adv Exp Med Biol 353: 35–46

    Google Scholar 

  48. Habif DV, Ozzello L, De-Rosa CM, Cantell K, Lattes R (1995) Regression of skin recurrences of breast carcinomas treated with intralesional injections of natural interferons alpha and gamma. Cancer Invest 13: 165–172

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Gale RP, Foon KA (1985) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: recent advances in biology and treatment. Ann Intern Med 103: 101–120

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Talpaz M, Rosenblum M, Kurzrock R et al (1987) Clinical and laboratory changes induced by alpha-interferon in chronic lymphocytic leukemia-α pilot study. Am J Hematol 24: 341–350

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Rozman C, Monserrat E, Vinolas N et al (1988) Recombinant α2-interferon in the treatment of B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood 71: 1295–1298

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Wells RJ, Weck PK, Bachner RL et al (1988) Interferon-α-n 1 in children with recurrent acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a phase I study of pharmacokinetics and tolerance. J Interferon Res 8: 309–318

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Molto L, Alvarez-Mon M, Carballido J et al (1994) Intracavitary, prophylactic treatment with interferon alpha 2b of patients with superficial bladder cancer is associated with a systemic T-cell activation. Br J Cancer 70: 1247–1251

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Williams RD, Sarosdy M, Catalona W et al (1988) Randomized trial of high dose vs low dose intravesical interferon alpha 2B treatment of bladder carcinoma in situ. J Clin Oncol 7: 121

    Google Scholar 

  55. Ikic D, Padovan I, Pipic N et al (1995) Interferon reduces recurrences of basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Int J Dermatol 34: 58–60

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Ikic D, Padovan I, Pipic N (1994) Local interferon therapy for lip carcinoma. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 251: 293–296

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Jereb B, Petric-Grabnar G, Klun B et al (1994) Addition of IFN-alpha to treatment of malignant brain tumors. Acta Oncol 33: 651–654

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Buckner JC, Brown LD, Kugler JW et al (1995) Phase II evaluation of recombinant interferon alpha and BCNU in recurrent glioma. J Neurosurg 82: 430–435

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Williams JM, Schlesinger PE, Gray AG (1994) Successful treatment of essential thrombocythaemia and recurrent abortion with alpha interferon. Br J Haematol 88: 647–648

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Litam PP, Landaw SA, Zamkoff KW (1994) Efficacy of alpha interferon and hydroxyurea in late phase refractory myeloproliferative disease. Haematologia Budap 26: 87–90

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Muller EW, de-Wolf JT, Egger et al (1995) Long-term treatment with interferon-alpha 2b for severe pruritus in patients with polycythemia vera. Br J Haematol 89: 313–318

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Thmmarello D, Graziano F, Mari D et al (1994) Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): a randomized trial of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine plus etoposide (CAV-E) or teniposide (CAV-T) as induction treatment, followed in complete responders by alpha-interferon or no treatment, as maintenance therapy. Anticancer Res 14: 2221–2227

    Google Scholar 

  63. Kataja V, Yap A (1995) Combination of cisplatin and interferon-alpha 2a (Roferon-A) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An open phase II multicentre study. Eur J Cancer 31: 35–40

    Google Scholar 

  64. Huber MH, Shirinian M, Lippman SM, Dimery IW, Franenthaler RA, Hong WK (1994) Phase I/II study of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and alpha-interferon for recurrent carcinoma of the head and neck. Invest New Drugs 12: 223–229

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Piro LD, Carrera CJ, Carson DA, Beutler E (1990) Lasting remissions in hairy cell leukemia induced by a single infusion of 2’ chlorodesoxyadenosine. N Engl J Med 322: 1117–1121

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Beelen DW, Graeven U, Elmaagacli AE et al (1995) Prolonged administration of interferon-α in patients with chronic-phase Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia before allogeneic bone marrow transplantation may adversely affect transplant outcome. Blood 85: 2981–2990

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Jakab I, Reichardt J, Sréter L (1995) Effectes of alfa-2a interferon (Roferon-A) on patients with CLL of different stages. Onkologie 18 [Suppl 4]:83

    Google Scholar 

  68. Langenmayer I Adorf D, Neri C et al (1995) The role of interferon-alpha 2B (IFN) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Results of a randomized AIO-trial in untreated Binet stage A patients. Onkologie 18 [Suppl 2]:84

    Google Scholar 

  69. Griesshammer M, Heimpel H (1995) Essential thrombocythemia: diagnosis, clinical course and management. Onkologie 18 [Suppl 2]:7

    Google Scholar 

  70. Griesshammer M, Seifried E (1995) Treatment and clinical course of essential thrombocythemia (ET): preliminary results of a prospective multicenter trial. Onkologie 18 [Suppl 2]:153

    Google Scholar 

  71. Hersh EM, Gutterman JU, Spector S (1985) Impaired in vitro interferon, blastogenic and natural killer cell responses to viral stimulation in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Cancer Res 45: 406–410

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Keilholz U, Eggermont AMM (1995) A randomized trial of IFNα and IL-2 cisplatinum (CDDP) in advanced melanoma-α preliminary analysis (abstr.). Onkologie 18 [Suppl 2]:55

    Google Scholar 

  73. Köhne CH, Wilke H, Käufer C et al (1995) The value of folinic acid (FA) and interferon alpha (IFN) to modulate high dose infusional 5-fluorouracil (FU) in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Results of;a randomized multicenter trial of the AIO (abstr.). Onkologie 18 [Suppl 2]:27

    Google Scholar 

  74. Kreuser ED, Hilgenfeld RU, Streit M et al (1995) Feasibility of the assessment of quality of life as end point in a randomized trial in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma: find report (abstr.). Onkologie 18 [Suppl 2]:271

    Google Scholar 

  75. Hoofnagle JH, Peters M, Mullen KD, Jones DB, Rustgi V (1988) Randomized controlled trial of recombinant human a-interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Gastroenterology 95: 1318–1325

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Perillo RP, Schiff ER, Davis GL et al (1990) A randomized, controlled trial of interferon alpha-2b alone and after prednisolone withdrawal for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. N Engl J Med 323: 295–301

    Google Scholar 

  77. Wong JB, Koff RS, Tine F, Pauker SG (1995) Cost-effectiveness of interferon-alpha 2b treatment for hepatitis Be antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B. Ann Intern Med 122: 664–675

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Saracco G, Rizzetto M, Verme G (1994) Interferon in chronic hepatitis B. Antiviral Res 24: 137–143

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Wong DK, Yim C, Naylor CD et al (1995) Interferon alfa treatment of chronic hepatitis C: randomized trial in a predominantly homosexual male population. Gastroenterology 108: 165–171

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Davis GL, Baiart LA, Schiff ER et al (1989) Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with recombinant interferon alfa. A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. N Engl J Med 321: 1501–1506

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Di Bisceglie AM, Martin P, Kassianides C et al (1989) Recombinant interferon alfa therapy for chronic hepatitis C. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. N Engl J Med 321: 1506–1510

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Koretz RL, Stone O, Mousa M, Gitnick GL (1985) Non-A, non-B post transfusion hepatitis-α decade later. Gastroenterology 88: 1251–1254

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Angelico M, Gandin C, Pescarmona E et al (1995) Recombinant interferon alpha and ursodesoxycholic acid versus interferon-alpha alone in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a randomized clinical trial with long-term follow-up. Am J Gastroenterol 90: 263–269

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Attili AF, Natali L, Onori L, Festuccia V, Natali GF (1994) Treatment of type Chronic hepatitis with interferon alpha 2a. Treatment duration does not influence biochemical remission but does decrease relapse rate. Am J Gastroenterol 19: 214–216

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Trepo C, Habersetzer F, Bailly F et al (1994) Interferon therapy for hepatitis C. Antiviral Res 24: 155–163

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Ross AG, Burt MJ, Jennings LC et al (1995) Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon alpha. N Z Med J108: 101–103

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Eron IJ, Judson F, Tucker S et al (1986) Interferon therapy for condylomata acuminata. N Engl J Med 315: 1059–1064

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. Vance JC, Bart BJ, Hansen RC et al (1986) Intralesional recombinant alpha-2 interferon for the treatment of patients with condylomata acuminata or verruca plantaris. Arch Dermatol 122: 272–277

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Armstron DK, Maw RD, Dinsmore WW et al (1994) A randomised, double-blind, parallel group study to compare subcutaneous interferon alpha-2a plus podophyllin with placebo plus podophyllin in the treatment of primary condylomata acuminata. Genitourin Med 70: 389–393

    Google Scholar 

  90. Cardamakis E, Kotoulas IG, Metalinos K et al (1994) Treatment of urethral condylomata acuminata or flat condylomata with interferon-alpha 2a. J Urol 152: 2011–2013

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Fleshner PR, Freilich MI (1994) Adjuvant interferon for anal condyloma. A prospective, randomized trial. Dis Colon Rectum 37: 1255–1259

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Ruther U, Stilz S, Rohl E et al (1995) Successful interferon-alpha 2a therapy for a patient with acute mumps orchitis. Eur Urol 27: 174–176

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  93. Heim A, Stille-Siegener M, Kandolf R, Kreuzer H, Figulla HR (1994) Enterovirus-induced myocarditis: hemodynamic deterioration with immunosuopressive therapy and successful application of interferon-alpha. Clin Cardiol 17: 563–565

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Yoshida EM, Rock NR, Zeng L, Haniak WA, Anderson FH (1995) The use of interferon-alpha 2b in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis in patients with preexisting idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Am J Gastroenterol 90: 854–855

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  95. Asami T, Sakurai M (1995) Successful alpha-interferon therapy in a child with chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report. Acta Paediatr. Jpn 37: 75–77

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. O’Connor BM, Clifford JS, Lawrence WD, Logue GL (1989) Alpha interferon for severe cold agglutinin disease. Ann Intern Med 111: 255–256

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Casato M, Antonelli G, Maggi F et al (1994) Resistance to recombinant alpha interferon therapy in idiopathic mixed cryoglobulinemia: reinduction of remission by natural interferon both in antibody-positive and -negative patients. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 8: 56–59

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  98. Dammacco F, Sansonno D, Han JH et al (1994) Natural interferon-alpha versus its combination with 6-methyl-prednisolone in the therapy of type II mixed cryoglobulinemia: a long-term, randomized, controlled study. Blood 84: 3336–3343

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. Mazzaro C, Pozzato G, Moretti M et al (1994) Long-term effects of alpha-interferon therapy for type II mixed cryoglobulinemia. Haematologica 79: 342–349

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. Gasche C, Reinisch W, Vogelsang H et al (1995) Prospective evaluation of interferon-alpha in treatment of chronic active Crohn’s disease. Dig Dis Sci 40: 800–804

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. Pappas SC, Hoofnagle JH, Young N et al (1985) Treatment of chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis with acyclovir pilot study. J Med Virol 15: 1–9

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Stokes P, Lopez WC, Balart LA (1987) Effects of short-term corticosteroid therapy in patients with chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANB) (abstract). Gastroenterology 92: 1783

    Google Scholar 

  103. Alter HJ (1988) Transfusion-associated non-A, non-B hepatitis: the first decade. In: Zuckerman E (ed) Viral hepatitis and liver disease. Liss, New York, pp 537–542

    Google Scholar 

  104. Hoofnagle JH, Mullen KD, Jones DB et al (1986) Treatment of chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis with recombinant human alpha interferon: a preliminary report. N Engl J Med 315: 1575–1578

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Arima T, Nagashima H, Shimomoura H et al (1988) Treatment of chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis with human beta-interferon. In: Zuckerman E (ed) Viral hepatitis and liver disease. Liss, New York, pp 898–901

    Google Scholar 

  106. Bonnez W, Oakes D, Bailey-Farchione A, Choi A, Hallahan DA (1995) A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of systemically administered interferon-α,-β,-γ, in combination with cryotherapy for the treatment of condyloma acuminatum. J Infect Dis 171: 1081–1089

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  107. Merup M, Tornebohm-Roche E, Engman K, Paul C (1994) Human leukocyte interferon-alpha therapy can induce a second response in treatment of thrombocytosis in patients with neutralising antibodies to recombinant interferon-alfa 2a (letter). Eur J Cancer 30A: 1729–1730

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Mildvan D, Machado SG, Wilets I, Grossberg SE (1992) Endogenous IFN and triglyceride concentrations to assess response to zidovudine in AIDS and advanced AIDS-related complex. Lancet 339: 453–456

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Howell DM, Feldman M, Siegal FP, Pettera L, Fitzgerald-Bocarsly P (1993) Peripheral blood of AIDS patients contains cells capable of providing accessory function of the natural killer cell-mediated lysis of herpes simples virus-infected targets despite low alpha interferon production. J. Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 6: 15–23

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. H. Heimpel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. Schmid
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Carlo Aul  & Wolfgang Schneider  & 

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1997 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Heimpel, H., Schmid, M. (1997). Interferon-α: Its Current Clinical Utility and Future Perspectives. In: Aul, C., Schneider, W. (eds) Interferons. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-60411-9_16

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-60411-9_16

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-61051-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-60411-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation