INTRAPERITONEAL RECOMBINANT INTERFERON-GAMMA IN OVARIAN-CANCER PATIENTS WITH RESIDUAL DISEASE AT 2ND-LOOK LAPAROTOMY

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and to lerance of recombinant human interferon gamma (rIFN-gamma) as second-l ine treatment in patients with persistent disease at second-look lapar otomy. Patients and Methods: One hundred eight patients with residual disease at second-look laparotomy were treated with rIFN-gamma (2O x 1 0(6) IU/m(2)) administered intraperitoneally (IP) twice a week for 3 t o 4 months. In the absence of clinically assessable disease, response to rIFN-gamma was assessed with a third-look laparotomy. Results: Of 9 8 assessable patients, 31 (32%) achieved a surgically documented respo nse, including 23 patients (23%) with a complete response (CR). The ag e and size of residual tumor were significant prognostic factors for t he response to rIFN-gamma. A 41% CR rate was observed in 41 patients y ounger than 60 years and with residual tumor less than 2 cm. The proba bility of response was independent of previous response to first-line chemotherapy. The median duration of response was 20 months and the 3- year survival rate in responders was 62%. Response to rIFN-gamma was t he most significant prognostic factor for survival of patients with re sidual disease. Adverse events included fever, flu-like syndrome, neut ropenia, and liver enzyme disturbances. No significant peritoneal fibr osis was noted. Conclusion: These results support the potential intere st of IP rIFN-gamma as adjuvant treatment in ovarian cancer. Controlle d prospective trials are required to determine its place in the therap eutic strategy of this malignancy. (C) 1996 by American Society of Cli nical Oncology.