Superficial laser vulvectomy: V. Surgical debulking is enhanced by adjuvant systemic interferon

Skillful laser ablation can remove any volume of human papillomavirus—associated vulvar disease but cannot prevent reactivation of the surrounding latent viral reservoir during postoperative healing. Conversely, interferon and 5-fluorouracil are relatively ineffective as primary therapies in clearing bulky lesions. In this study of 71 assessable patients, topical 5-fluorouracil and systemic interferon injections were used postoperatively. Success rates within the adjuvant 5-fluorouracil and laser alone arms were essentially the same (9 of 18 vs 8 of 20). In contrast, outcome in the interferon group was significantly better than that for the other two arms combined (27 of 33 [82%] vs 17 of 38 [45%]; χ 2 10.31; p