Klin Onkol 1996; 9(4): 115-120.
Summary: Interferons are part of the body's a natural defence system. They have been shown to possess antiviral, antitumour and immunoregulatory properties. There are three types of interferons: Interferon alfa, interferon beta and interferon gamma. Each type has distinctive genetic derivation, primary producing cells and biological properties. Interferon alfa is the most widely used interferon, and is produced both by recombinant DNA technology and from stimulated leucocyte and lymphoblastoid cells. Interferon beta is also available as a recombinant product and as naturally produced product from human fibroblasts. Interferon gamma is available as a recombinant product.
This article reviews the pharmacology of interferons and their therapeutical use. The indications for interferon alfa are malignant hae-matological and some oncological diseases and chronic hepatitis. Interferon beta beta is a promising therapy for multiple sclerosis, for some viral disease and is used for topical treatment of basal cell carcinoma, condyloma acuminata and painful metastases. Clinical experiences with INF gamma are much smaller than with interferon alfa and beta. The major therapeutical benefit of interferon gamma has been described in immunological diseases.
