5-Fluorouracil and recombinant interferon alfa-2a: review of activity and toxicity in advanced colorectal carcinomas

Oncol Nurs Forum. 1991 Jan-Feb;18(1 Suppl):11-7.

Abstract

Improved response rates in metastatic colorectal carcinoma recently have been observed for the combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and recombinant interferon alfa-2a (rIFN), compared to those obtained in historical trials of single-agent 5-FU. The mechanism of interaction between these agents has not been explored adequately but may relate to biochemical modulation of 5-FU by rIFN. Toxicities resulting from this combination have included fever, chills, myalgias, granulocytopenia, mucositis, diarrhea, skin rash, neurological symptoms, and hand-foot syndrome. Future studies of 5-FU with rIFN should investigate schedules aimed at reducing toxicity without compromising efficacy and also should explore mechanisms of enhanced activity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Clinical Protocols / standards
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / metabolism
  • Fluorouracil / therapeutic use
  • Fluorouracil / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Interferon-alpha / toxicity*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Recombinant Proteins

Substances

  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Fluorouracil