Interferon for giant cell tumors – pro
Giant cell tumors of the bone are of 3 major cell types: 1) proliferating mononuclear cells thought to be the neoplastic element of the tumor, 2) nonproliferating mononuclear cells, and 3) multinucleated giant cell that are fused mononuclear cells. It is difficult to treat. A completely successful use of interferon alpha was first reported by Dickerman in 1999, althought here was one previous report of its use. A number of positive case reports followed. There are also reports of successful use of interferon in other sarcoma types.
A 2002 series of 8 tumors concluded that: ” Antiangiogenic therapy, in combination with curettage, is a promising strategy for treatment of aggressive giant cell tumors.”
A 2006 review says this about the pegylated interferon treatment: “The relatively recent development of a pegylated formulation of interferon, designed to prolong its plasma half-life, provides an alternative to the nonpegylated form of interferon that is comparable biologically and more attractive given a weekly dosing schedule. The response to the pegylated formulation to date is favorable, but has not been reported.”
A 2002 series of 8 tumors concluded that: ” Antiangiogenic therapy, in combination with curettage, is a promising strategy for treatment of aggressive giant cell tumors.”
There are no prospective studies of interferon for giant cell tumors. Such studies are difficult to expect because of the rarity of the disease. There are no prospective studies of interferon for giant cell tumors. Such studies are difficult to expect because of the rarity of the disease.
References:
Yasko, Alan W Interferon therapy for giant cell tumor of bone Current Opinion in Orthopedics: December 2006 – Volume 17 – Issue 6 – p 568-572
Kaban LB, Troulis MJ, Ebb D, August M, Hornicek FJ, Dodson TB: Antiangiogenic therapy with interferon alpha for giant cell lesions of the jaws.
J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2002 , 60:1103-11; discussion 1111-3