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Human Iymphoblastoid interferon:shows antitumour activity in AIDS-relatedKaposi's sarcoma

12 patients suffering from acquired immunedeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related Kaposi's sarcomareceived human Iymphoblastoid interferon [NSG­339140; 'Wellferon'; Wellcome] 20 X 106 U/m2 1Mdaily for 7 to 28 weeks, Maintenance therapy (20 x106 U/m2 1M three times a week) was then given fortumour regression or stable disease.

Eight patients responded (4 had a completeresponse and 4 had a partial response). Six patientsremained in remission at 24-31 weeks while 2complete responders relapsed at weeks 25 and 26,respectively. Four patients failed to respond andshowed progressive disease. One patient diedbecause of progressive disease.

Side effects reported were fever, asthenia (n =12), weight loss and alopecia (n = 2). The dose wasreduced in 2 patients because of these events.Transient decreases in the numbers of circulatingblood cells were reported.

Human Iymphoblastoid interferon was shown to beeffective in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi'ssarcoma. However, 'the exact response rate inresponse to Iymphoblastoid leukaemia will require thestudy of a larger number of patients'.Bios, A; Mansell, P w.A.; Newell, GR; Reuben, JM; Hersh, E.M. et et.:Journal of Clinical Oncology 3: 506-512 (Apr 1985)

0156-2703/85/0629-0005/0$01.00/0 © ADIS Press INPHARMA@ 29 Jun 1985 5