It is unclear from preliminary laboratory studies whether a high- or a low-dose interferon treatment strategy is optimal. As part of an ongoing study of mechanisms of interferon action, we have evaluated @entity137 in a two-arm protocol in which @entity1 were randomly assigned to receive lymphoblastoid interferon by either a low-dose treatment strategy (2 X 10(6) units/m2 daily X 28 days then daily X 5 days every other week by im injection) or a high-dose treatment strategy (5 X 10(6) units/m2 by continuous iv infusion over 24 hours, escalating by 5 X 10(6) units/m2/day as tolerated over 10 days, repeated every 28 days). The main toxic effects in both arms were @entity221 , @entity1295 , and @entity448 . Marked interpatient differences within each dose arm were greater than differences between arms. Additional significant toxic effects included @entity390 and @entity391 , @entity551 , @entity1431 , @entity882 , and evidence of @entity99 . Minor changes in serum electrolytes were noted. Coagulation studies were normal. The dose-limiting toxic effect for the high-dose arm was myelosuppression. Median maximum tolerated dose among high-dose strategy @entity1 was 18 X 10(6) units/m2, but there was marked interpatient variation. We conclude that both dose schedules were relatively well-tolerated. Because of individual variation in tolerance, high-dose treatment should include a dose escalation strategy.

Prospectively randomized XXXX study of high-dose versus low-dose treatment strategies for lymphoblastoid interferon.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity137 :: ('MESH:D064420', 'Disease') :: ['toxicity'] @entity390 :: ('MESH:D009325', 'Disease') :: ['nausea'] @entity99 :: ('MESH:D056486', 'Disease') :: ['hepatic toxicity'] @entity882 :: ('MESH:D013921', 'Disease') :: ['thrombocytopenia'] @entity391 :: ('MESH:D014839', 'Disease') :: ['vomiting'] @entity448 :: ('MESH:D000855', 'Disease') :: ['anorexia'] @entity1295 :: ('MESH:D005221', 'Disease') :: ['fatigue'] @entity1431 :: ('MESH:D007970', 'Disease') :: ['leukopenia'] @entity551 :: ('MESH:D007022', 'Disease') :: ['hypotension'] @entity221 :: ('MESH:D005334', 'Disease') :: ['fever']
@entity137 :: (MESH:D064420,Disease) :: ['toxicity']
