Treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome--related Kaposi's sarcoma with lymphoblastoid interferon.

Abstract

Twelve homosexual patients with Kaposi's sarcoma associated with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) were treated with a preparation of purified human lymphoblastoid interferon (Wellferon [Burroughs Wellcome, Research Triangle Park, NC]). They were given a dose of 20 X 10(6) U/m2 intramuscularly daily for approximately two months. Responders continued their treatment on a maintenance schedule of 20 X 10(6) U/m2 three times a week. Four patients experienced complete remissions, and four experienced partial remissions that resulted in a total response rate of 67%. The median duration of treatment was 14 weeks (7 to 28+ weeks), and the median response duration was 28+ weeks (19 to 29+ weeks). Of the four patients in complete remission, one relapsed at 25 weeks and one at 26 weeks; the other two remained in complete remission at 28 and 29+ weeks. The clinical toxicity consisted of chills, fever, fatigue, and asthenia. Hematologic toxicity was similar to that previously described for other preparations of alpha-interferon and consisted of moderate leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Asthenia, a condition present in all 12 patients, was severe in 50%. A minimal tumor burden, the absence of circulating interferon before treatment, and a performance status of greater than or equal to 90% on the Karnofsky scale were related to an improved response rate. Measurement of immunologic parameters showed significant declines in the already impaired T cell levels, lymphocyte blastogenic response to concanavalin A, monocyte-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and monocyte-adherence. Activation of natural killer cells was not noted, and no life-threatening infections occurred during treatment. These data suggest that human lymphoblastoid interferon is an active agent in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma, and its use warrants further study in a larger number of patients.

• Authors: A Rios, P W Mansell, G R Newell, J M Reuben, E M Hersh, J U Gutterman
• Journal: Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (J Clin Oncol) Vol. 3 Issue 4 Pg. 506-12 (Apr 1985) ISSN: 0732-183X [Print] United States
• PMID: 3872349 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Interferon Type I

Topics

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (complications, immunology, therapy)
• Adult
• Blood Cell Count
• Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity, Delayed
• Interferon Type I (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Sarcoma, Kaposi (complications, immunology, therapy)
• Skin Tests
• T-Lymphocytes (immunology)