TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD LYMPHANGIOMAS WITH INTERFERON-ALPHA

Purpose: Nonsurgical treatment of lymphangiomas has shown limited effi cacy and often carries unacceptable toxicities, demonstrating the need for a more effective, less toxic therapy. Patients and Methods: We de scribe two patients with lymphangiomatosis treated for 12 to 40 months with recombinant interferon-alpha. Results: Both patients demonstrate d stabilization or marked improvement of disease. based on clinical an d radiologic findings, with minimal toxicity. Conclusions: The favorab le responses to interferon-alpha therapy in these two cases suggest th at this is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for lymphangiomas in children.