Use of recombinant interferon alfa-2b in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma

Background: Several neoplasms including cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, malignant melanoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma have been successfully treated with systemic or intralesional interferons (IFNs). Recently, intralesional α-IFN has also been employed in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of IFN alfa-2b in the treatment of BCC. Methods: 140 patients with BCC were treated with intra- und perilesional injections of recombinant IFN alfa-2b at a dosage of 1.5–3 × 106 IU, three times a week for 4–8 weeks. Results: Complete response was achieved in 94 patients (67.1%), partial response in 33 patients (23.6%) and no response in 13 patients (9.3%). Side effects included fever, headache, fatigue and nausea but were reversible with the use of paracetamol. None of the patients discontinued therapy due to side effects. After a mean follow-up period of 36 months (12–54 months) no relapse has been observed. Conclusion: Based on our results, intra- and perilesional IFN alfa-2b represents an effective, alternative treatment for BCC.