TREATMENT OF GENITAL HPV INFECTION WITH CARBON-DIOXIDE LASER AND SYSTEMIC INTERFERON-ALPHA-2B

Background and Objectives: Treatment of genital warts is problematic. Numerous treatment modalities are available, but response to any thera py often is unsatisfactory. Recently, studies have suggested that inte rferons would be effective in the treatment of some genital warts. Goa l of this Study: To compare carbon dioxide laser with or without adjuv ant subcutaneously administered interferon alpha-2b in the treatment o f genital human papillomavirus infection. Study Design: One hundred ra ndomized women with genital HPV infection were treated with carbon dio xide laser and adjuvant systemic interferon alpha-2b or carbon dioxide laser and placebo. Patients were followed colposcopically, cytologica lly, and by HPV DNA testing for 6 months. Results: Complete response w as seen in 62% patients who received adjuvant interferon, and in 68% p atients who received placebo. However, recurrence was less common in p atients treated with interferon who were infected with HPV 16/18. Conc lusion: Only a subgroup of patients, women infected with HPV DNA 16/18 , benefited from adjuvant systemic interferon treatment.