Interferon and malignant melanoma

Background. - Alpha interferon is currently used in the treatment of malignant melanoma mainly as adjuvant therapy at the first stage of the illness (primary tumor) and at the second stage (lymph node invasion). Current position and main points. - At metastatic stage, interferon alpha has no adverse indication when used alone. However, studies are on going to assess its potential synergistic effect combined with chemotherapy and its interest for maintaining clinical response. Beta and gamma interferon have no adverse indication in the treatment of malignant melanoma. Perspective. - Although its action has been mainly demonstrated on relapse free survival, and the impact on quality of life remains important, additional new studies will be required to confirm its interest as adjuvant therapy for melanoma. In addition, the future use of pegylated interferon which would permit a reduction in the number of injections is of a significant interest. (C) 2002 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.