13-CIS RETINOIC ACID, INTERFERON-ALPHA AND CONCOMITANT IRRADIATION INA PATIENT WITH NON-SMALL-CELL LUNG-CANCER - DESCRIPTION OF TOXICITY AND RESPONSE

Background: Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and retinoic acid have been f ound to be active agents in the treatment of squamous-cell carcinomas. Recent experimental and clinical studies indicate an improvement of t reatment results, if this agents are combined with irradiation. Materi al and Method: We report about a 53-year-old patient presenting with a n advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Systemical treatment with IFN-a lpha and 13-cis retinoic acid was performed concurrently with radiothe rapy. The patient's follow-up, response and toxicity of this therapeut ic regimen were evaluated. Result and Conclusions: The combination of IFN-alpha/retinoic acid with irradiation seems to be effective in the management of advanced non-small-cell carcinomas of the lung. However, in rare cases combined treatment with IFN-alpha and radiotherapy may be associated with increased side effects, especially radiation pneumo nitis.