Pilot Study of Interferon Treatment for Liver Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): E. Sachs, A.M. Di Bisceglie, G.M. Dusheiko, E. Song, S.F. Lyons, B.D. Schoub, M.C. Kew
Primary Institution: University of the Witwatersrand Medical School and Johannesburg and Hillbrow Hospitals, and the National Institute of Virology, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hypothesis
Can recombinant leucocyte interferon effectively treat hepatocellular carcinoma in humans?
Conclusion
The study found little efficacy of interferon treatment in patients with advanced liver cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 2 patients completed the 12-week treatment course.
- 13 out of 16 patients showed rapidly progressive disease culminating in death.
- Significant drug toxicity was encountered in patients receiving interferon.
Takeaway
Doctors tried a medicine called interferon to help people with liver cancer, but it didn't work very well.
Methodology
Patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma were randomized into two treatment groups receiving different doses of interferon for up to 12 weeks.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and included patients with advanced disease, which may have affected the results.
Participant Demographics
All participants were black patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
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