| Cancer – Current Treatment Paradigm Interferons are a family of naturally-occurring proteins that are produced by cells of the immune system. Three classes of interferons have been identified: Alfa, beta and gamma. Each class has different effects though their activities overlap. Together, the interferons direct the immune system’s attack on viruses, bacteria, tumors and other foreign substances that may invade the body. Once interferons have detected and attacked a foreign substance, they alter it by slowing, blocking, or changing its growth or function. Since interferons enhance the immune system in many ways, the interferons have been evaluated for effectiveness in managing many diseases that involve the immune system. For example, there are approximately 18 cancers, and 11 viral infections for which interferon alfa-2a is being used or being evaluated. (Kancer rights for non infections – just Kancer indications) The other interferons also have FDA-approved uses. Interferon alfa-2b is approved for the treatment of hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, condylomata acuminata, AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, chronic hepatitis C, and chronic hepatitis B. Ribavirin combined with interferon alfa-2b, interferon alfacon-1 (Infergen), pegylated interferon alfa-2b, or pegylated interferon alpha-2a, all are approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) and interferon beta-1a (Avonex) are approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Interferon alfa-n3 (Alferon-N) is approved for the treatment of genital and perianal warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Interferon gamma-1B (Actimmune) is approved for the treatment of chronic granulomatous disease, and severe, malignant osteopetrosis. (Kancer rights for non infections – just Kancer indications) |
