IMMUNOMODULATION IN THE TREATMENT OF MALIGNANT DISORDERS

In this study, 91 patients with metastatic solid tumor were treated wi th an immunomodulatory regimen of interferons -a and -g as well as oct reide in pulse administration, followed in selected patients by low do se perilymphatic administration of interleukin-2. Pharmacosensitivity studies of patient tumor directed concomitant chemotherapy. High level s of circulating interferon-a (>50 IU/ml) and the presence of lymphoki ne inhibitor factor were identified prior to treatment. None of the pa tients was able to produce autologous interferon. All patients had bee n previously treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy and/or chem otherapy. Patients had also received second line chemotherapy and/or r adiotherapy per current protocols. At 30 days following immunomodulato ry therapy, 6/91 patients were in complete remission; 12/91 were in pa rtial remission; six patients progressed. At 180 days, with concomitan t stem cell assay directed chemotherapy, 24/91 patients were in comple te remission; 36/91 demonstrated a partial remission. Six patients pro gressed. Responders demonstrated a fall in circulating interferon leve ls as well as lymphokine inhibitor factor concomitantly with reduction in tumor burden. NK cell activity increased. Marrow studies demonstra ted rises in granulocyte and thrombocyte stem cell activity. Macrophag e activity also increased. The rationale for the approach is discussed .