[Complete remission of lung and hepatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma by interferon alpha-2b therapy: a case report]

Hinyokika Kiyo. 1999 Sep;45(9):617-9.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

A right renal tumor was found in a 74-year-old man with multiple metastases to the lungs and liver. Tumor thrombus extending into the inferior vena cava and a right spermatic varicocele were also noted at the first visit. Interferon alpha-2b and interferon gamma were administered for treatment. Partial remission of lung metastases, complete remission of hepatic metastases, and disappearance of the varicocele occurred after 4, 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. Then the primary right renal tumor was resected. Although only interferon alpha-2b was continued twice weekly by self-injection, complete remission of the lung metastases was obtained 13 weeks after the initiation of therapy. No evidence of recurrence or new metastasis has been found after 18 months. These results indicate that even advanced renal cell carcinoma may show a rapid response to interferon alpha. Interferon alpha is worth trying for metastatic renal cell carcinoma and should be continued for at least a few months.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / secondary*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Remission Induction

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins