Recurrence of condylomata acuminata following cryotherapy is not prevented by systemically administered interferon

Genitourin Med. 1993 Apr;69(2):91-3. doi: 10.1136/sti.69.2.91.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether interferon alpha-2a, when utilised as adjuvant chemotherapy following ablation of condylomata acuminata (genital warts) by cryotherapy, is effective in the prevention of recurrences.

Design: Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Statistical analysis was by 2-tailed Fisher's Exact Test.

Patients: 97 patients with recurrent condylomata acuminata.

Intervention: 49 patients were treated with cryotherapy plus subcutaneously administered interferon alpha-2a, and 48 received cryotherapy plus placebo. Of these, 36 and 37 patients, respectively, completed the study and were evaluable.

Main outcome measure: Clinical eradication of condylomata for six months following adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results: By completion of the adjuvant chemotherapy, 10 (28%) interferon recipients and 16 (43%) placebo recipients experienced recurrences. At six months follow-up, 25 (69%) interferon and 27 (73%) placebo recipients experienced recurrences. In the six months following interferon therapy, only 31% of interferon and 27% of placebo recipients remained free of recurrences (p = 0.99).

Conclusions: Interferon alpha-2a administered subcutaneously offers no benefit as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant to cryotherapy when used alone in the therapy of genital warts in this population of patients with recurrent condylomata.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Condylomata Acuminata / prevention & control*
  • Condylomata Acuminata / surgery
  • Cryosurgery*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins