The use of interferon-α in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma:: a review

During the past few years significant progress has been made in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma. These developments often involve the use of interferon-alpha (IFN alpha). Promising results have been reported in high risk patients using adjuvant treatment with high dose IFN alpha. A confirmatory trial of high dose IFN alpha and several adjuvant trials using low or intermediate dose IFN alpha are ongoing, and currently a standard regimen cannot be defined. High response rates have been reported in patients with metastatic disease with combination chemoimmunotherapy schedules. Randomized trials have to be performed in order to demonstrate a survival benefit over less toxic regimens. In this paper the current status of IFN alpha in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma is reviewed. (C) 1998 Lippincott-Raven Publishers.