Interferon alpha‐2a and 5‐fluorouracil for advanced colorectal carcinoma: Assessment of activity and toxicity Journal Article


Authors: Kemeny, N.; Younes, A.; Seiter, K.; Kelsen, D.; Sammarco, P.; Adams, L.; Derby, S.; Murray, P.; Houston, C.
Article Title: Interferon alpha‐2a and 5‐fluorouracil for advanced colorectal carcinoma: Assessment of activity and toxicity
Abstract: Preclinical data showed that the cytotoxic effects of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) are augmented by interferon (IFN). in a small study, 13 of 17 patients with advanced colorectal cancer responded to a regimen of 5‐FU with IFN. Using the same dose and schedule as in this pilot study, 38 previously untreated patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma were treated with continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of 5‐FU 750 mg/m2 daily for 5 days, followed by weekly bolus 5‐FU at 750 mg/m2 and subcutaneous IFN at 9 million units three times per week. of 35 evaluable patients, nine (26%) had a partial response (95% confidence limit, 11% to 41%), with a median response duration of 7.5 months (range, 4.4 to > 11.7 months). Seven patients (20%) had a minor response, and ten (28%) had stable disease. the most common toxicities observed were stomatitis (52%) and diarrhea (43%). Neurotoxicity was seen in 34% of patients and consisted of gait disturbance, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and dementia. Because of toxicity, 84% of patients required a reduction of the IFN dose by at least 50%, and 63% required reduction of the 5‐FU dose by at least 25%. Although the combination of 5‐FU and IFN in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma has some activity, the regimen was toxic, and the observed response rate (26%) was not substantially superior to alternative 5‐FU programs. Copyright © 1990 American Cancer Society
Keywords: adult; clinical article; aged; fluorouracil; diarrhea; neurotoxicity; stomatitis; antineoplastic activity; colorectal carcinoma; colorectal neoplasms; drug therapy, combination; alpha2a interferon; infusions, intravenous; intravenous drug administration; middle age; interferon alfa-2a; human; male; female; priority journal; article
Journal Title: Cancer
Volume: 66
Issue: 12
ISSN: 0008-543X
Publisher: Wiley Blackwell  
Date Published: 1990-12-15
Start Page: 2470
End Page: 2475
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(19901215)66:12<2470::Aid-cncr2820661205>3.0.Co;2-y
PUBMED: 2249187
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 27 January 2020 -- Source: Scopus
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Citation Impact
MSK Authors
  1. David P Kelsen
    524 Kelsen
  2. Nancy Kemeny
    533 Kemeny
  3. Susan Derby
    21 Derby
  4. Lynn Adams
    11 Adams
  5. Anas Younes
    317 Younes
  6. Collette M Houston
    14 Houston