Application of human leucocyte interferon in patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix
Ikić, D.; Krusić, J.; Kirhmajer, V.; Knezević, M.; Maricić, Z.; Rode, B.; Jusić, D.; Soos, E.
Lancet 1(8228): 1027-1030
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 6164885 Document Number: 172737
Fifteen patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix were treated with crude human leukocyte interferon (HLI) for 3 wk before surgical removal of the tumor. Nine patients were given HLI topically and i.m. and 6 topically only. In 3 patients the surgical material was free from tumor cells, in 3 it showed a lower grade of carcinoma and in 9 the findings remained unchanged. In only 1 patient the tumor metastasized to the lymph nodes. Typically a tumor regressed to 1/3 of its original size. There was a sharp distinction between the tumor mass and the healthy tissue manifested in the formation of a fibrous wall. On the basis of the scores, i.e., stromal response, relation between tumor cell and macrophage activity and reactivity, and reactivity of the original lymph nodes, the overall appraisal of the response caused by HLI therapy was as follows: in 6 patients excellent, in 5 very good, in 1 moderate, in 2 poor and in 1 no response. HLI probably is suitable for administration before and after surgery in patients with cervical cancer of grade I or II. If stroma cannot be induced to respond within 21 days of treatment, HLI application should be discontinued.