Adjuvant interferon-alpha in malignant melanoma: current status

High-risk surgically resected primary or loco-regional cutaneous malignant melanoma, although uncommon, can be associated with less than 50% 5-year su rvival; adjuvant therapy of proven efficacy is therefore appropriate. Since immunological control mechanisms seem to be important in the natural histo ry of melanoma, biological agents have been the subject of many adjuvant st udies. Most popular has been recombinant interferon. Well over 4000 patient s have been entered into randomized studies. Results suggest that there may be a clinical benefit, most clearly in relapse-free but also perhaps in ov erall survival. More precise estimates of the magnitude of any beneifits ar e needed. The doses, schedules and cost-benefits have yet to be fully evalu ated. Interferon cannot yet be recommended as standard adjuvant therapy in high-risk malignant melanoma. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.