Advanced non-small-cell lung cancer:: adjunctive interferon γ in induction and maintenance therapy

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of interferon gamma (IFN gamma) as an adjunct to chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 32 patients were recruited and received 25 mg/m(2) cisplatin and 100 mg/m(2) etoposide on days 8, 10 and 12 every 3 weeks for a total of three cycles. A dose of 100 mu g IFN gamma was given subcutaneously three times weekly from days I to 8 and between days 15 and 29, After induction, all patients except those with progressive disease were offered IFN gamma maintenance therapy: 100 mu g three times weekly. Results: The following responses were obtained: partial response, 5 (16%); minor response, 12 (37%); stable disease, 4 (13%); progressive disease, 11 (34%). The survival rates after 1 and 2 years were 47% and 25% respectively. Patients receiving maintenance IFN gamma had a 2-year survival rate of 58%. Toxic side-effects were rare and included grade III/IV fever (7%/1%) and grade III/IV leucopenia (4%/1%). Conclusions: In patients with advanced NSCLC, an adjunctive dose of 100 mu g IFN gamma, given three times weekly in the induction and maintenance phase, is feasible. Survival data seem favourable so this regimen may warrant further investigation in a phase III study.