Combined zidovudine and interferon-alpha therapy in patients with Kaposi sarcoma and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Kaposi's sarcoma is the formation of multiple areas of cell overgrowth on the skin and other body sites; these areas develop into sarcomas or cancerous growths arising from connective tissue such as bone or muscle. The disease is thought to result from the weakened immune function associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The effectiveness and toxicity of the combined drug regimen of zidovudine and interferon-alpha was assessed in 39 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma and AIDS. Interferon, a protein produced after exposure of cells to viruses or foreign nucleic acids, is involved in immune and antitumor reactions. The results show that the ability of patients to tolerate interferon-alpha was related to the dose of zidovudine. Toxic effects of the combined zidovudine and interferon-alpha regimen included: neutropenia, a decrease in a type of white blood cells called neutrophils; fatigue; thrombocytopenia, a decrease in the number of platelets, blood cells involved in clotting; and impaired liver function. Among 22 patients who received a stable dose of both drugs over 12 weeks, the combined regimen was completely or partially effective against Kaposi's sarcoma in 11 patients and against infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in eight patients. The results show that the combined drug regimen of zidovudine and interferon-alpha can be effective against Kaposi's sarcoma and HIV infection in patients with AIDS; this treatment may have a role in the management of these individuals. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)