Clinical and immunologic effects of recombinant leukocyte A interferon in eight patients with advanced cancer

Abstract

The clinical and immunologic effects of a biosynthetic human leukocyte interferon, recombinant leukocyte A interferon (IFL-rA), are reported in 8 patients with advanced cancer. Single escalating doses from 3 .times. 106 U-198 .times. 106 U were given by i.m. injection in a phase 1 study. Major toxic effects included pyrexia, fatigue, myalgia and headache. Data on the effects of IFL-rA on lymphocyte subpopulatons and peripheral blood mononuclear-cell surface .beta.2-microglobulin are presented. Four of 8 patients had objective tumor regression, indicating that further investigation of this biologically active material is warranted.