A case of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with human fibroblast interferon (HuIFN-β)

Abstract

Human fibroblast interferon(HuIFN-β) was administered by the intramuscular(total dose, 4671 ×104 international reference units, IU), intravenous (total dose, 2866×l04 IU), and intraarterial (total dose, 250xl04 IU) routes in a 62-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma for 3 months. On admission, the mass of hepatocellular carcinoma was already recognized at all parts of the right lobe and a part of the left lobe and marked elevation of α-Fetoprotein level. The α-Fetoprotein level was decreased by the direct intrahepatic injection of HuIFN-β by the intraarterial route, but the size of the tumor was gradually increased. No remarkable change was recognized by the intramuscular or intravenous administration. Only fever and the following subjective and objective symptoms were recognized as the side-effects of HuINF-β administration. Multinucleated giant cell transformation and a lack of a tendency to necrosis of the cancer cells were histopathologically recognized at the autopsy. These findings were, however, seen in some cases of hepatocellular carcinoma without the administration of HuIFN-β. Accordingly, we cannot but say that the therapeutic effect of HuIFN-β on hepatocellular carcinoma are obscure in at least the present case. © 1983, The Japan Society of Hepatology. All rights reserved.