Interferon
Moore, G.E.
Surgery Gynecology and Obstetrics 153(1): 97-102
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6087 PMID: 6166059 Document Number: 173255
The interferons form a complex group of glycoproteins which have virucidal action, inhibitory effect on cell growth and under some circumstances stimulatory action upon lymphoid cells. Transient inhibition of tumor cell growth has been observed but no cures have been reported. There is a need for studies with different classes of interferon, purified interferon and interferon with organ specific activity. Pathologic studies, including electron microscopy of cancers under treatment, would be desirable. The expectation of clinically significant general therapeutic effects of interferon on all kinds of malignant diseases seems unreasonable. However, the universality of interferon production by many kinds of mammalian cells of many species supports the thesis that it has critical biologic functions and, therefore, should be studied even if its therapeutic effect on malignant diseases is impractical.