Interferon

Interferon is a naturally-occurring protein produced by animal cells when they are invaded by viruses. It is released into the bloodstream or intercellular fluid to induce healthy cells to manufacture an enzyme that counters the virus. Through genetic engineering, interferon has been made available as treatment for cancer and other diseases. Because the interferon used in treatments is a copy of the same protein found in the human body, it is classified as a biopharmaceutical, which is defined as a medical drug derived from a biological source (1, 2). Treatment with interferons is known as biotherapy or immunotherapy (3).

Interferon may be helpful in the treatment of cancer through three ways: 1) By interfering with the cancer's ability to grow and multiple, 2) by restricting the blood supply available to cancer cells, and 3) by stimulating the immune system to combat cancer cells (4). Specifically, it promotes the immune system's production of killer T cells, along with other beneficial cells, that attack the cancer (5).

Currently, interferon is used to treat several different types of cancer, including kidney cancer, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, and some types of leukemia (5). Research is underway to explore the possible benefits of interferon in the treatment of mesothelioma (6).

Typically, interferon is administered via a syringe. Depending on the type of cancer being treated, it is typically given three times a week, though sometimes more. Common side-effects include fatigue, flu-like symptoms (chills, fever, headaches, etc.), diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It might also have a temporary effect on the function of bone marrow, diminishing the production red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Side effects usually improve as the treatment progresses (5).

'Interferon' Sources:
  1. David Goldstein, MD, et al. (1988). "The Role of Interferon in Cancer Therapy: A Current Perspective." CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Volume 38, 258-277. Available: http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/content/abstract/38/5/258 (Accessed July 18, 2007).
  2. "Newly Identified Protein May Inhibit Hepatitis Virus." From ScienceDaily.com. Available: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/04/050419105339.htm (Accessed July 18, 2007).
  3. Sally C. McFarlane-Parrott. (2007) "Interferons." Encyclopedia of Cancer, from FindArticles.com. Available: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gGEC/is_0012/ai_2699001228 (Accessed July 18, 2007).
  4. "Interferon for kidney cancer." From Cancer Research UK's website. Available: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4054 (Accessed July 18, 2007).
  5. "Interferon (Roferon, Intron A)." From Cancer Research UK's website. Available: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4009#general (Accessed July 18, 2007).
  6. "What's new in mesothelioma." From Cancer Research UK's website. Available: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=5386 (Accessed July 18, 2007).

 

 

 

 

 
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