THE ROLE OF INTERFERONS IN THE TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL-CANCER

There is a substantial body of evidence suggesting in vivo synergy between fluorouracil (FU) and interferons (IFNs). The mechanism(s) which is implicated in the expression of synergy with the combination of FU and IFNs is unknown. Although phase I sudies have demonstrated a pharmacokinetic advantage for this combination, subsequent phase II studies in patients with advanced colorectal cancer showed that only one-third of the patients responded partially to this treatment. Double modulation of FU with leucovorin and IFN does not appear to add any survival benefit to these patients compared to single modulation of FU by IFN. In conclusion, the role of IFNs in the treatment of colorectal cancer has not been defined yet. It is hoped that phase III trials which currently are in progress will clarify this issue.