Intralesion interferon alpha-2b for the treatment of genital warts

Article Abstract:

Genital warts (condyloma acuminata) are lesions found in the genital region. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is found with 90 percent of these lesions. In addition, the HPV can be found in normal cells adjacent to visible genital wart cells. Laser therapy, which removes visible genital warts, can leave normal-looking cells, which may also harbor the HPV, untreated. However, extending the laser-treated area does not completely eradicate HPV-infected cells. Interferon is a protein produced by the body that inhibits growth of virus-infected cells. Human interferon alfa-2b can be grown in the laboratory and reintroduced to the body as a treatment. The results of a total of nine interferon alfa-2b injections (one million units per lesion, three times a weeks for three weeks) into the warts of 20 infected patients were evaluated. The results were compared with those from injections of normal salt solution in 22 patients. Warts disappeared in 43.8 percent of the patients receiving interferon, and an additional 25 percent had the warts shrunk by half. Only 14.3 percent of the nontreatment group had warts disappear with and additional 14.3 percent having 50 percent shrinkage. Side effects included fever, chills, muscle pain and fatigue. It is noted that 20 percent of genital warts will resolve spontaneously. Although interferon was significantly effective in causing a regression of genital warts, its effect on nonvisible HPV-infected cells is not known. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Drug therapy, Condyloma acuminatum, Genital warts, Papillomavirus infections, Warts

---

Combined interferon alfa and doxorubicin in the treatment of advanced cervical cancer

Article Abstract:

Cancer of the cervix, the opening of the uterus, is usually treated by radiation therapy, which is effective in 65 percent of cases at the IIB stage and in 35 percent of cases at the IIIB stage. The effectiveness of chemotherapy in treating cervical cancer is limited by the resistance of tumor cells to these drugs and the inability to supply effective doses of drugs at the tumor site. Early studies have shown that interferon alfa, a protein with antitumor activity, is effective against tumor cells in some cases of cervical cancer. In addition, the ability of interferon alfa to prevent growth of tumor cells is enhanced by the drug doxorubicin. The effect of combined use of interferon alfa and doxorubicin was assessed in 21 patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer. This combined regimen caused few toxic effects on the bone marrow, liver, and kidney and resulted mainly in fever and discomfort. Interferon alfa and doxorubicin produced partial improvement in six patients, including two who have survived for more than five years after starting treatment. These findings indicate that the combined regimen of interferon alfa and doxorubicin is well tolerated by patients and is effective against some cases of advanced cervical cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Physiological aspects, Cervical cancer, Chemotherapy, Chemotherapy, Combination, Combination chemotherapy, Doxorubicin

---

Management of endometrial cancer

Article Abstract:

Patients with cancer of the uterus may be treated according to certain guidelines. Conclusions of uterine cancer studies currently in progress may allow for better management of patients. Before surgery, transvaginal ultrasonography may be a useful noninvasive tool for determining the extent of cancer. Uterine tissue samples that show evidence of cancer may be proof enough to proceed with treatment. Surgical risk factors include the size and depth of the tumor, grade and type of cancer, spread to the cervix, and the presence of cancer cells in abdominal fluid. Levels of progesterone receptors, CA 125, and DNA content are additional risk factors. A greater number of risk factors may indicate a decreased chance of survival after cancer removal. The benefits of chemotherapy and radiation are inconclusive.

Endometrial cancer

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Intravenous magnesium sulfate for the treatment of acute asthma in the emergency department. The influence of age and sex on asthma admissions
• Abstracts: A comparison of ceftriaxone and cefuroxime for the treatment of bacterial meningitis in children. Brief report: disseminated osteomyelitis from Mycobacterium ulcerans after a snakebite
• Abstracts: Community-based medical education in the Philippines. Preparing for medical consequences of terrorism. Clinical interventions in tobacco control: a National Cancer Institute Training Program for Physicians
• Abstracts: Optimal etching time of glass ionomer cement for maximum bond of composite resin. The glass ionomer cement
• Abstracts: Implantology: does it merit specialty status? State leaders share their thoughts on government relations

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.