5‐fluorouracil and interferon‐alpha‐2a in advanced colorectal cancer. Results of two treatment schedules

Background. Potential synergy between 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and interferon alpha-2α (IFN-α-2a) has been demonstrated in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma. Continuous low-dose infusion of 5-FU may have superior response rates to bolus 5-FU in these malignancies. This report presents results of two Phase II trials using these principles in colorectal cancer. Methods. Forty-eight patients were entered onto two protocols; 18 were treated with 5-FU by a bolus infusion schedule with concurrent IFN-α-2a (Group 1). Thirty patients were treated with continuous low-dose 5-FU and IFN-α-2a thrice weekly (Group 2). Results. The overall response rates were 33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16-68%) and 33% (95% CI, 17-53%), respectively, for Groups 1 and 2