Immunotherapy and Interferon
Interferons belong to a group of proteins known as cytokines. They are produced naturally by white blood cells in the body (or in the laboratory) in response to infection, inflammation, or stimulation.
Interferon-alpha was one of the first cytokines to show an antitumor effect, and it is able to slow tumor growth directly, as well as help to activate the immune system.
There are a number of different interferons. They fall into three main classes : alpha, beta, and gamma. All are proteins (lymphokines) normally produced by the body in response to infection. The interferons have been synthesized using recombinant DNA technology.
(courtesy of www.cancersupportivecare.com)
Additional Information
Details of Interferon (2/24/04)
Interferons are a family of naturally-occurring proteins that are produced by cells of the immune system. Three classes of interferons have been identified: Alfa, beta and gamma. Each class has different effects though their activities overlap. More...
"Improved Survival with Interferon Alpha Maintenance Therapy Following pleurectomy / decortication and Radiation for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma," as presented by Dr. Robert Cameron to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, January 30, 2006.
Click Here for Interferon Abstracts, including:
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Immuno-gene therapy with interferon-beta before surgical debulking delays recurrence and improves survival in a murine model of malignant mesothelioma. (1/2004)
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Regression of AK7 malignant mesothelioma established in immunocompetent mice following intratumoral gene transfer of interferon gamma. (6/2003)
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Analysis of the immunologic response generated by Ad.IFN-beta during successful intraperitoneal tumor gene therapy. (8/2002)
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Intrapleural infusion of activated macrophages and gamma-interferon in malignant pleural mesothelioma: a phase II study (6/2002)
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Combined regimen of cisplatin, doxorubicin, and alpha-2b interferon in the treatment of advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma: a Phase II multicenter trial of the Italian Group on Rare Tumors (GITR) and the Italian Lung Cancer Task Force (FONICAP). (8/2001)
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Control of cell cycle progression in human mesothelioma cells treated with gamma interferon. (3/2001)