Springer Seminars in Immunopathology

, Volume 9, Issue 1, pp 73–83 | Cite as

Interferons: Current status and future directions of this prototypic biological

  • Richard V. Smalley
  • Ernest C. Borden
Article

Conclusion

As phase II trials with alpha interferon are nearing completion it is clear that they have anti-tumor activity in several malignancies. When compared to other drugs currently used for malignant disease, the level of activity suggests their ultimate usefulness in clinical practice. Some patients have manifested complete responses to interferon administration: others have had long-term sustained anti-tumor effect. In addition to their significant clinical activity, interferons are prototypic biologic response modifiers. In this role, the development of the interferons has provided a model for other biologicals which are currently entering phase I clinical trials. As a model for the clinical application of biologics in general and for the clinical use of specific protein molecules, interferons are fulfilling their substantial promise.

Keywords

Clinical Trial Internal Medicine Clinical Practice Interferon Clinical Application 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1986

Authors and Affiliations

  • Richard V. Smalley
    • 1
  • Ernest C. Borden
    • 2
  1. 1.University of Wisconsin Cancer CenterMadisonUSA
  2. 2.Departments of Human Oncology and MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin Cancer CenterMadisonUSA

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