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- Title
Long-Term Combined rIFN-Alpha-2A and Zidovudine Therapy for HIV-Associated Kaposi's Sarcoma: Clinical Consequences and Side Effects.
- Authors
Stadler, Rudolf; Bratzke, Burkhardt; Schaart, Frank; Orfanos, Constantin E.
- Abstract
Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) has been shown to be effective in treating HIV-associated KS in at least 30% of patients, and Zidovudine has proved beneficial for AIDS patients. Moreover, both drugs have demonstrated an inhibitory effect on HIV replication. Based on the above, we combined IFN-alpha and zidovudine for treatment of HIV-associated KS in order to evaluate tolerance and clinical efficacy. Twenty-one homosexual men with histologically proved HIV-associated KS were treated in an open trial with rIFN-alpha-2a 18 × 106 IU every second day and zidovudine 800- 1200 mg/d. Treatment was discontinued within the first month in six patients: three of them developed subjective intolerance, and three others contracted severe opportunistic infections or HIV-cachexia. Fifteen evaluable patients received combination treatment over a period of 2-20 months (average 10 months). The dosage was reduced as required based on drug- induced cytotoxicity. Complete remission was observed in four patients, partial remission in three, stable disease in two, and progression in six, resulting in an overall response rate of 46%. Negative p24 expression prior to treatment was a positive predictor. Although extracutaneous involvement had a negative influence on tumor remission, even patients with a mean initial T-helper cell count below 100 mm³ responded positively. In conclusion, combination therapy of rIFN-alpha-2a with AZT may effectively control HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma in more than 40% of patients. In contrast to monotherapy with IFN-alpha, patients with severely reduced immune systems will also benefit from combined treatment.
- Subjects
AZIDOTHYMIDINE; KAPOSI'S sarcoma; CLINICAL trials; DRUG side effects; IMMUNOLOGY; IMMUNE system
- Publication
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1990, Vol 95, p170S
- ISSN
0022-202X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/1523-1747.ep12875494