HUMAN-LEUKOCYTE (ALPHA) INTERFERON IN METASTATIC MALIGNANT-MELANOMA - THE AMERICAN-CANCER-SOCIETY PHASE-II TRIAL

Abstract

Forty-four evaluable patients with metastatic malignant melanoma confined to the skin, subcutaneous tissues, lymph nodes, and/or lung were randomly assigned to receive 1 .times. 106, 3 .times. 106, or 9 .times. 106 units of partially purified human leukocyte (.alpha.) interferon by daily i.m. injection for 42 days. One patient achieved a partial response, 2 had minor responses, and 3 others had mixed responses. The only partial response was observed at the lowest dose of interferon. Toxicity increased in frequency and intensity with increasing interferon dose. This preparation of interferon at the doses, route, and schedule used appears to have little efficacy in metastatic malignant melanoma.