Premium
Intrapleural treatment with recombinant gamma‐interferon in early stage malignant pleural mesothelioma
Author(s) -
Boutin Christian,
Nussbaum Eric,
Monnet Isabelle,
Big Jean,
Vanderschueren Rolland,
Guerin JeanClaude,
Menard Olivier,
Mignot Pierre,
Dabouis Gérard,
Douillard JeanYves
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19941101)74:9<2460::aid-cncr2820740912>3.0.co;2-n
Subject(s) - medicine , mesothelioma , stage (stratigraphy) , pleural disease , surgery , pleurodesis , gastroenterology , radiology , pleural effusion , respiratory disease , pathology , lung , paleontology , biology
Background . This report presents the results of a prospective multi‐institutional study of intrapleural treatment with gamma‐interferon in patients with Butchart's Stages I and II epithelial or mixed malignant pleural mesothelioma. Methods . Interferon was administered at a dose of 40 million units twice a week for 8 weeks intrapleurally via a catheter or an implantable port. Thoracoscopic or surgical biopsy was performed if computed tomography scan 2 weeks after the end of treatment demonstrated a reduction in tumor size. Survival was calculated after a follow‐up of at least 18 months. Prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses (Cox model). Results . Eighty‐nine patients were included over 46 months. Eight histologically confirmed complete responses and nine partial responses with at least a 50% reduction in tumor size were obtained. The overall response rate was 20%. Most responses were achieved in patients with early stage disease. The response rate for patients with Stage I disease was 45%. Tolerance of interferon was good. Treatment was performed on an outpatient basis. The main side effects were hyperthermia, liver toxicity, neutropenia, and catheter‐related infection. Conclusions . Gamma‐interferon is effective mainly in Stage I mesothelioma, especially if the tumor is confined to the parietal or diaphragmatic pleura (Stage IA).