Recombinant alfa interferon in XXXX : a randomized trial of two routes of administration.

@entity1 @entity137 @entity683 @entity1358 @entity3
Ninety-seven @entity1 with recurrent or metastatic @entity1358 were randomized to receive recombinant interferon (IFN) alfa-2b (Intron A; Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) by either the subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) route. The SC dosage was 2 X 10(6) IU/m2 three times weekly, and the IV dose 30 X 10(6) IU/m2 for five consecutive days every 3 weeks. Dose escalation to a maximum of 10 X 10(6) IU/m2 SC and 50 X 10(6) IU/m2 IV was allowed for @entity1 with minimal or absent @entity137 . Five of 51 of the SC-treated @entity1 (10%) and three of 46 of the IV-treated @entity1 (7%) had a partial response (PR) or complete response (CR). @entity1 with prior nephrectomy, no prior treatment, and lack of bone @entity3 were most likely to respond, and a retrospective analysis of this subgroup revealed a 23% response rate. Achievement of response took from 3 weeks to 11 months, while response duration lasted from 3 to 31+ months. All responders had prior nephrectomy; six of eight had no prior chemotherapy or hormonal therapy; five had lung @entity3 , and none had bone @entity3 . Regardless of route, almost all @entity1 developed @entity683 ; however, grade 3 or greater @entity137 was much more common for IV-treated @entity1 . This trial demonstrates modest, but definite antitumor activity for recombinant interferon in advanced @entity1358 . SC administration with lower dose and @entity137 is as effective as treatment administered IV.
