Therapy of AIDS-induced Kaposi sarcoma and malignant melanoma with interferons

Since 1980, disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma has been occurring in new epidemic proportions with a rapid clinical course in risk populations. Sixteen cases were under therapy and close surveillance from 1982 to 1986. Eight are still under therapy. In disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) our experience was encouraging. Following systemic, long-term treatment with recombinant alpha 2a interferon we observed complete remission of the lesions in 2 cases, partial remission and stabilization of the disease in 3 cases, at least temporary stabilization of the disease in 3 cases and progressive disease in 8 cases. Systemic rIFN-alpha 2a therapy was well tolerated; its long-term administration in patients with a relatively good immune status has an obviously beneficial effect on the course of Kaposi's sarcoma. In metastatic malignant melanoma Stage IV the results were only moderately encouraging. Regression of cutaneous metastases in 1 case and long-term stabilization of the disease in another patient point to antitumor activity of interferon in disseminated malignant melanoma. However, the administration of rIFN-alpha 2a in earlier stages appears more promising.