Interferons in dermatology.

Interferons are a large family of proteins and glycoproteins, naturally occurring or artificially produced by recombinant biotechnology. Their antiviral, antiproliferative, antitumoral, and immunomodulatory activities are induced by alterations in cell metabolism after binding to specific membrane receptors. Interferons have been used for the treatment of viral papillomas (e.g., verruca vulgaris and condyloma acuminatum), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated Kaposi's sarcoma and cutaneous tumors (e.g., melanoma, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, and basal cell carcinoma), and inflammatory dermatoses (e.g., Behçet's syndrome and psoriatic arthropathy). Clinical trials have been performed worldwide with various regimens and have not always led to conclusive results. In our experience long-term therapy with high doses of subcutaneously injected, recombinant interferon-alpha-2a in patients with HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma induces a remission or stabilization of the disease. In malignant melanoma a low response rate is obtained in metastatic disease with the use of interferon as a single therapeutic agent. Combined with other antitumor agents, however, interferon seems to be a useful drug. Excellent control of Behçet's disease has been obtained, and the treatment of condylomata acuminata has been effective.