Recombinant interferon beta gel as an adjuvant in the treatment of recurrent genital warts: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study in 120 patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pilot studies of adjuvant therapy with topically applied interferons (IFN) have shown promising results in reducing the recurrence of condylomata acuminata (CA).

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this multicenter placebo-controlled, double-blind study was to confirm the efficacy and safety of topically applied IFN in a large sample of patients.

METHODS:

After removal of CA by CO2 laser surgery, electrocautery or cryosurgery, 120 patients applied either recombinant IFN-beta (0.15 or 1.0 x 10(6) IU/g) or placebo gel to the affected areas 5 times daily for 4 weeks. The patients were followed for a total of 24 weeks or until recurrence of CA was observed, respectively.

RESULTS:

In the 105 patients evaluated for efficacy after 24 weeks, recurrence rates were 75% (27/36 patients) in the placebo group, 62% (21/34) in the 1.0 x 10(6) IU/g group (n.s.) and 54% (19/35) in the 0.15 x 10(6) IU/g group (p = 0.034). Only few mild adverse events were noted, which were almost limited to the application site.

CONCLUSION:

Topical application of gel containing 0.15 x 10(6) IU/g recombinant IFN-beta is safe and appears to reduce the recurrence of CA after surgical treatment.

• Authors: G Gross, T Rogozinski, H Schöfer, S Jabłońska, A Roussaki, C Wöhr, J Brzoska
• Journal: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) (Dermatology) Vol. 196 Issue 3 Pg. 330-4 ( 1998) ISSN: 1018-8665 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 9621141 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Recombinant Proteins
• Interferon-beta

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adult
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
• Condylomata Acuminata (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Interferon-beta (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Pilot Projects
• Recombinant Proteins (therapeutic use)
• Recurrence
• Skin Diseases (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Treatment Outcome