INTRALESIONAL ALPHA-INTERFERON THERAPY IN PAPILLARY SUPERFICIAL TRANSITIONAL CELL-CARCINOMA OF THE BLADDER - A PILOT-STUDY

The tolerability, toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of recombinant int erferon alpha-2a (rIFNalpha-2a), administered by intralesional injecti on, were evaluated in 15 patients with papillary superficial transitio nal cell carcinoma of the bladder, rIFNalpha-2a was delivered endoscop ically in a single weekly dose of 3 x 10(6) IU for 4 weeks (total 12 x 10(6) IU). Transurethral resection of residual tumours was then perfo rmed. The response to treatment was assessed according to ultrasonogra phic, endoscopic and pathological findings. One patient achieved compl ete remission, 6 partial remission, 6 minor remission and 2 stabilisat ion of disease. All patients completed the course of treatment. A mild , transient, flu-like syndrome was documented after every injection. I mmunological findings suggest that the antitumour effects of rIFNalpha 2a are not mediated through the immune system.