INTERFERON-ALPHA BETA CAN IMPEDE DEVELOPMENT OF CARCINOGEN-INDUCED SQUAMOUS-CELL TUMORS IN THE ESOPHAGUS OF C57BI MICE/

The effect of treatment with murine interferon-alpha/beta preparations on diethylnitrosamine-induced squamous-cell tumors in the esophagus o f C57B1 mice was investigated. Diethylnitrosamine was administered in the drinking water for 18 weeks. Interferon was given intraperitoneall y during the same 18 weeks or from the end of the period of carcinogen exposure until termination of the experiment. In mice given interfero n and diethylnitrosamine synchronously, a significantly lower tumor in dex (number of tumors/cm of esophageal mucosa) was observed as compare d to all control groups. Treatment with interferon after the administr ation of the carcinogen was terminated had no effect on the appearance of tumors. These data suggest that interferon therapy can exert certa in effects on carcinogenesis. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.