PHASE-II STUDY OF 13-CIS-RETINOIC ACID PLUS INTERFERON-ALPHA(2A) IN HEAVILY PRETREATED SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA OF THE CERVIX

The combination of 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cRA) and interferon (IFN)- alpha(2a) has been reported to be highly active in previously untreate d squamous carcinoma of the cervix. In this phase II study, 13-cRA was given at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day and IFN-alpha(2a) was given subcutaneo usly at a dose of 3 million units/m2/day. Thirteen of 14 patients enro lled in this study are evaluable for response and toxicity. There were no complete or partial responses. Ten patients had progressive diseas e and the remaining three had stable disease. Principle toxicities wer e fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. This regimen appears cross-resistant with radiotherapy and/or platinum-based cytotoxic therapy in heavily p retreated patients with squamous carcinoma of the cervix. (C) 1995 Aca demic Press, Inc.