13-cis retinoic acid, interferon-alpha and concomitant irradiation in a patient with non-small-cell lung cancer - Description of toxicity and response

Background: Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and retinoic acid have been found to be active agents in the treatment of squamous-cell carcinomas. Recent experimental and clinical studies indicate an improvement of treatment results, if this agents are combined with irradiation. Material and Method: We report about a 53-year-old patient presenting with an advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Systemical treatment with IFN-alpha and 13-cis retinoic acid was performed concurrently with radiotherapy. The patient's follow-up, response and toxicity of this therapeutic regimen were evaluated. Result and Conclusions: The combination of IFN-alpha/retinoic acid with irradiation seems to be effective in the management of advanced non-small-cell carcinomas of the lung. However, in rare cases combined treatment with IFN-alpha and radiotherapy may be associated with increased side effects, especially radiation pneumonitis.