Therapy of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) and of cervix carcinoma with cytokines

Interferons (IFN) and retinoids have been shown to produce antiproliferative and differentiating effect on cells. In addition, interferons have antiviral properties. In recent years, patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (GIN) as well as patients with invasive cervical carcinomas have been treated with interferons or retinoids. From a review of the literature the following complete remission rates for CIN were obtained: IFN-alpha 39.7%, IFN-beta 64.3%, and IFN-gamma 51.8%. However, the response rates obtained through placebo-controlled double-blind trials are much lower and do not show a significant IFN effect. Similarly, patients treated for CIN with retinoids do not have remission rates that are significantly higher than patients without treatment. Results for invasive cervical cancer using an IFN/retinoid combination regimen are controversial. In pretreated patients, no response has been observed in contrast to a 50% response rate in patients without previous treatment. In summary, the efficacy of IFN and retinoids for the treatment of CIN or invasive cervical cancer has not yet been substantiated. With the exception of placebo-controlled double-blind trials, this treatment modality is rarely indicated.