USE OF RECOMBINANT INTERFERON ALFA-2B IN THE TREATMENT OF BASAL-CELL CARCINOMA

Background: Several neoplasms including cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, ma lignant melanoma and Kaposi's sarcoma have been successfully treated w ith systemic or intralesional interferons (IFNs). Recently, intralesio nal alpha-IFN has also been employed in the treatment of basal cell ca rcinoma (BCC). Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the eff icacy of IFN alfa-2b in the treatment of BCC. Methods: 140 patients wi th BCC were treated with intra- und perilesional injections of recombi nant IFN alfa-2b at a dosage of 1.5-3 x 10(6) IU, three times a week f or 4-8 weeks. Results: Complete response was achieved in 94 patients ( 67.1%), partial response in 33 patients (23.6%) and no response in 13 patients (9.3%). Side effects included fever, headache, fatigue and na usea but were reversible with the use of paracetamol. None of the pati ents discontinued therapy due to side effects. After a mean follow-up period of 36 months (12-54 months) no relapse has been observed. Concl usion: Based on our results, intra- and perilesional IFN alfa-2b repre sents an effective, alternative treatment for BCC.