Thymidine Phosphorylase and Interferon Alpha in Cancer Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Braybrooke J P, Propper D J, O’Byrne K J, Koukourakis M I, Patterson A V, Houlbrook S, Love S D, Varcoe S, Taylor M, Ganesan T S, Talbot D C, Harris A L
Primary Institution: ICRF Medical Oncology Unit, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LJ, UK
Hypothesis
Can interferon alpha upregulate thymidine phosphorylase activity in patients treated with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid?
Conclusion
A single dose of interferon alpha can significantly increase thymidine phosphorylase activity in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Thymidine phosphorylase activity was detected in all patients.
- 32% of patients had stable disease after treatment.
- 5-FU and folinic acid alone did not induce thymidine phosphorylase activity.
- A single dose of interferon alpha led to upregulation of thymidine phosphorylase within 2 hours.
Takeaway
This study shows that a medicine called interferon can help another medicine work better in cancer treatment by increasing an important enzyme.
Methodology
Patients with advanced carcinoma were treated with 5-FU and folinic acid, and TP activity was measured in their blood after administering interferon alpha.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and variability in patient responses.
Participant Demographics
Patients with advanced carcinoma, specific demographics not detailed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Statistical Significance
p=0.006
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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