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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
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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)
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