Summary: Current Status and Future Directions

Abstract

Reviewing the results of clinical trials performed to date, it is clear that the majority of data pertain to the use of interferon alpha with only very recent data on the use of interferon beta and gamma. The current status of interferon alpha activity in a variety of malignant diseases can be grouped into 3 categories as summarised in the Table. For a number of those, for instance hairy cell leukaemia and certain non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, there is now clear evidence of activity when interferons have been administered systemically. Interferon-alpha may also have activity against bladder cancer and ovarian cancer when applied locally by the intravesical or intraperitoneal route. On its own interferon alpha is clearly inactive for several diseases, such as breast cancer and colon cancer, whereas for diseases such as renal carcinoma, melanoma and small cell lung carcinoma the data are as yet inconclusive and further studies are required.