Interferon-alpha in the treatment of keratoacanthoma

Background and Objective: Keratoacanthoma are benign epithelial tumors. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of interferon alpha on kera toacanthoma. Patients/Methods: Six patients presented with histologically p roven keratoacanthoma which were large or otherwise difficult to excise. In tra and perilesional interferon-alpha treatment with 3 million IU weekly wa s started. Results:ln 6-15 weeks all tumors were cured. Conclusions: Treatment with intralesional interferon-alpha offers a new pos sibility in cases of large keratoacanthomas, or those which are not surgica lly excisable.