Effect of Interferon on Tumor Markers in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): C. Natoli, C. Garufi, N. Tinaro, M. D'Egidio, G. Lesti, L.A. Gaspari, R. Visini, S. Iacobelli
Primary Institution: Universita 'G. D'Annunzio'
Hypothesis
Can recombinant interferon-alpha-2b increase the serum levels of tumor-associated antigens in cancer patients without evidence of disease?
Conclusion
The administration of recombinant interferon-alpha-2b significantly increased the serum levels of the tumor-associated antigen 90K in patients with breast and colorectal cancer who were clinically without evidence of disease.
Supporting Evidence
- 17 out of 54 patients who started with a negative 90K assay became positive after treatment.
- 28 out of 62 patients exhibited a 90K value above the mean increment of the whole population.
- After 2 years, 10 patients relapsed, with 6 showing a significant increase in 90K levels.
Takeaway
This study shows that a treatment called interferon can help doctors find cancer markers in patients who seem healthy after surgery.
Methodology
Patients received recombinant interferon-alpha-2b for 3 days, and serum samples were taken to measure levels of tumor-associated antigens.
Limitations
The study had a small number of relapsing patients, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the predictive value of the test.
Participant Demographics
62 patients, including 49 with breast cancer and 13 with colorectal cancer, all without evidence of disease after surgery.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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