INTERFERONS IN ONCOLOGY

The interferons are natural glycoproteins secreted in response to vari ous stimuli, including viral infection. They have antiviral, antiproli ferative and immunomodulatory effects on different target cell populat ions. Since recombinant human interferons have become available, they have been tested in a wide range of malignancies. They are well establ ished in the treatment of hairy cell leukaemia, chronic myelogenous le ukaemia and multiple myeloma. Although they have documented activity a gainst lymphoma, melanoma, renal cell cancer and carcinoid tumours, th eir role in the treatment of these tumours is less clear. In the commo n solid tumours, such as lung cancer and colorectal cancer, the use of interferons remains experimental. Here we will summarise their practi ce applications in oncology, using randomised studies where available to establish their place in multi-modality treatment. We will not disc uss their use as antiviral or immunomodulating agents in viral and aut oimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis or after organ transplantation.