INTRODUCTION Numerous trials using interferon in the treatment of HPV infections have been reported. IFN-β has antiviral, antiproliferative and immunopotentiating activities. The aim of this randomized open study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intramuscular IFN-β in reducing relapses versus both electrocautery and combined treatment, i.e. IFN-β plus electrocautery, in a group of male patients affected by genital warts. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 84 male patients (mean age 32 years) with recent genital warts were randomly enrolled into three groups: 33 patients were treated with electrocautery; 25 patients received only intramuscular IFN-β (3 000 000 IU daily for 10 days); 26 patients were treated with both electrocautery and intramuscular IFN-β (3 000 000 IU daily for 10 days). The patients were checked monthly. Residual disease was treated with electrocautery until complete clearance. RESULTS After 1 month 42% of the patients treated with electrocautery, 29% of those treated with TFN-β and 39% of those treated with combined therapy had been cured. Residual disease rates gradually decreased in all groups during the follow-up, but more quickly in the patients who had received IFN-β therapy. No side-effects after IFN-β treatment were observed. CONCLUSION IFN-β monotherapy is not the first choice treatment for genital warts, though it may be useful in patients with relapsing condylomata acuminata resistant to other therapy.
Efficacy of intramuscular interferon-ß in reducing relapses in the treatment of male patients with condylomata acuminata
STINCO, Giuseppe;
1996-01-01
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Numerous trials using interferon in the treatment of HPV infections have been reported. IFN-β has antiviral, antiproliferative and immunopotentiating activities. The aim of this randomized open study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intramuscular IFN-β in reducing relapses versus both electrocautery and combined treatment, i.e. IFN-β plus electrocautery, in a group of male patients affected by genital warts. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 84 male patients (mean age 32 years) with recent genital warts were randomly enrolled into three groups: 33 patients were treated with electrocautery; 25 patients received only intramuscular IFN-β (3 000 000 IU daily for 10 days); 26 patients were treated with both electrocautery and intramuscular IFN-β (3 000 000 IU daily for 10 days). The patients were checked monthly. Residual disease was treated with electrocautery until complete clearance. RESULTS After 1 month 42% of the patients treated with electrocautery, 29% of those treated with TFN-β and 39% of those treated with combined therapy had been cured. Residual disease rates gradually decreased in all groups during the follow-up, but more quickly in the patients who had received IFN-β therapy. No side-effects after IFN-β treatment were observed. CONCLUSION IFN-β monotherapy is not the first choice treatment for genital warts, though it may be useful in patients with relapsing condylomata acuminata resistant to other therapy.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
