ISSN:
1573-8280
Keywords:
interferon-alpha
;
5-fluorouracil
;
gastrointestinal cancer
;
pyrimidines
;
renal cancer
;
biochemical modulation
;
pharmacokinetics
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Treatment of adenocarcinomas with interferon-alpha as a single agent has been disappointing. Recent efforts have focused on the combination of interferon with cytotoxic drugs such as 5-fluorouracil. A number of postulated mechanisms can explain synergistic interactions between 5-fluorouracil and interferon-alpha, including interaction with pyrimidine pathways, and alteration of drug metabolism. Previous studies in colorectal cancer, using 5-fluorouracil and interferon-alpha are reviewed, suggesting that the combination is more active than 5-fluorouracil alone. In renal cell carcinoma, the literature is reviewed, suggesting that daily interferon is the most efficacious schedule; preliminary data suggest that addition of 5-fluorouracil to interferon-alpha can double the expected response rate of 16% achieved by interferon-alpha alone.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02174204
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