Adjuvant Interferon Treatment of Condylomata Acuminata

Abstract

Condylomata acuminata caused by human papillomavirus infection constitute one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases which is showing a worldwide increase of incidence [8, 10, 14]. Numerous therapeutic regimens are available such as conservative methods including application of podophyllin, fluorouracil, colchicine, or bleomycin solutions. The most widely employed surgical methods are electrocaustic resection of the warts, cryotherapy, and Neodym Yag or carbon dioxide laser therapy. Altogether these methods are not satisfying. The therapeutic procedures in most cases lead to a complete removal of the warts, but there is a high recurrence rate with all these methods. As Jensen [12] reported, the recurrence rate after 3 months is 43% after podophyllin application and 18% after electrocautery. Three months later more than 50% of the patients treated by electrocautery will again register the appearance of genital warts. Newer operative procedures such as laser resection may be easier to handle and lead to fewer side effects, but the rate of recurrence will be the same as after electrocaustic resection [15]. According to our observations in large (more than 7 mm diameter) and numerous (>20) warts and in warts which have been recalcitrant for more than 2 years the recurrence rate is higher still than mentioned in the study of Jensen [4, 15]. Thus, it is not uncommon for patients to consult their physician several times a year for more than 5 or even 10 years seeking relief for their recurring genital or perianal warts.