Interferon as an antiviral and anti-tumor therapeutic agent.

Clinical trials of the antiviral action of interferon have shown an effect on the replication of several viruses including varicella zoster, herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus and hepatitis B. These studies indicate that administration early in the course of infection, or in some clinical circumstances, prophylactic administration, is likely to result in viral inhibition. The studies of interferon efficacy in topical application, as in prevention of recurrent herpes simplex keratitis, have shown limited efficacy except with very high doses. These studies are being pursued with more concentrated preparations of interferon. The evaluation of interferon in human malignancy is just beginning, but some encouraging results have been obtained in open trials of the drug in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, melanoma, osteogenic sarcoma, and other diseases. With newer methods for the production of interferon, it may be possible to evaluate its antiviral and anti-tumor effects in carefully controlled studies with larger numbers of subjects.