A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of systemically administered interferon-alpha, -beta, or -gamma in combination with cryotherapy for the treatment of condyloma acuminatum

J Infect Dis. 1995 May;171(5):1081-9. doi: 10.1093/infdis/171.5.1081.

Abstract

One hundred fifty-two patients were enrolled in a study to evaluate 3 interferon (IFN) preparations used in combination with cryotherapy for treatment of anogenital warts. Subjects received subcutaneous injections (2 x 10(6) units/m2) of IFN-alpha n1, -beta, -gamma or placebo 3 times a week for 6 weeks and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Subjects were followed < or = 1 year. Among patients followed > or = 12 weeks, two-thirds had a complete response. No significant differences in rates of complete response (P = .37) or reappearance of a wart at the initial site (P = .20) were noted among the treatment groups. However, patients who received IFN-beta or -gamma developed new warts at a significantly lower frequency (P = .02). IFN administration was associated with side effects but was well tolerated. IFN-beta was the least toxic of the 3 preparations and had the best therapeutic ratio.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Condylomata Acuminata / surgery
  • Condylomata Acuminata / therapy*
  • Cryosurgery*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Interferon-beta / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-beta / adverse effects
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use
  • Interferon-gamma / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-gamma / adverse effects
  • Interferon-gamma / therapeutic use
  • Interferons / administration & dosage
  • Interferons / adverse effects
  • Interferons / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Sexual Partners

Substances

  • Interferon-alpha
  • Interferon-beta
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Interferons