Antiretroviral therapy in combination with interferon for AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. 1991

M A Fischl
Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33101.

In vitro studies have shown that 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (zidovudine, AZT) and interferon synergistically inhibit the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells at concentrations achievable in patients. Interferon alfa can cause lesions to regress in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Although zidovudine has no significant effect on the regression of these lesions, it does have antiviral activity in these patients as manifested by a decline in serum HIV antigen. However, when used separately, the two drugs can have serious side effects in some patients. In addition, the development of zidovudine-resistant strains has been noted in patients with advanced HIV disease receiving zidovudine for nine months or longer. Three in vivo trials have been initiated to assess possible advantages of combination therapy with zidovudine and interferon alfa in patients with AIDS-related KS. The incidence of serious adverse reactions, therapeutic efficacy, and the rate of emergence of zidovudine-resistant strains of HIV were evaluated. Preliminary results indicate that combination therapy with interferon alfa and zidovudine can safely be administered to patients with AIDS-related KS in doses that elicit antitumor and antiviral responses and discourage the potential emergence of zidovudine-resistant HIV strains.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007370 Interferon Type I Interferon secreted by leukocytes, fibroblasts, or lymphoblasts in response to viruses or interferon inducers other than mitogens, antigens, or allo-antigens. They include alpha- and beta-interferons (INTERFERON-ALPHA and INTERFERON-BETA). Interferons Type I,Type I Interferon,Type I Interferons,Interferon, Type I,Interferons, Type I
D011994 Recombinant Proteins Proteins prepared by recombinant DNA technology. Biosynthetic Protein,Biosynthetic Proteins,DNA Recombinant Proteins,Recombinant Protein,Proteins, Biosynthetic,Proteins, Recombinant DNA,DNA Proteins, Recombinant,Protein, Biosynthetic,Protein, Recombinant,Proteins, DNA Recombinant,Proteins, Recombinant,Recombinant DNA Proteins,Recombinant Proteins, DNA
D002986 Clinical Trials as Topic Works about pre-planned studies of the safety, efficacy, or optimum dosage schedule (if appropriate) of one or more diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques selected according to predetermined criteria of eligibility and observed for predefined evidence of favorable and unfavorable effects. This concept includes clinical trials conducted both in the U.S. and in other countries. Clinical Trial as Topic
D004305 Dose-Response Relationship, Drug The relationship between the dose of an administered drug and the response of the organism to the drug. Dose Response Relationship, Drug,Dose-Response Relationships, Drug,Drug Dose-Response Relationship,Drug Dose-Response Relationships,Relationship, Drug Dose-Response,Relationships, Drug Dose-Response
D004359 Drug Therapy, Combination Therapy with two or more separate preparations given for a combined effect. Combination Chemotherapy,Polychemotherapy,Chemotherapy, Combination,Combination Drug Therapy,Drug Polytherapy,Therapy, Combination Drug,Chemotherapies, Combination,Combination Chemotherapies,Combination Drug Therapies,Drug Polytherapies,Drug Therapies, Combination,Polychemotherapies,Polytherapies, Drug,Polytherapy, Drug,Therapies, Combination Drug
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000163 Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome An acquired defect of cellular immunity associated with infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a CD4-positive T-lymphocyte count under 200 cells/microliter or less than 14% of total lymphocytes, and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and malignant neoplasms. Clinical manifestations also include emaciation (wasting) and dementia. These elements reflect criteria for AIDS as defined by the CDC in 1993. AIDS,Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired,Immunologic Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired,Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome,Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome,Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome,Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndromes,Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndromes,Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired,Immuno-Deficiency Syndromes, Acquired,Immunodeficiency Syndromes, Acquired,Syndrome, Acquired Immuno-Deficiency,Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency,Syndromes, Acquired Immuno-Deficiency,Syndromes, Acquired Immunodeficiency
D012514 Sarcoma, Kaposi A multicentric, malignant neoplastic vascular proliferation characterized by the development of bluish-red cutaneous nodules, usually on the lower extremities, most often on the toes or feet, and slowly increasing in size and number and spreading to more proximal areas. The tumors have endothelium-lined channels and vascular spaces admixed with variably sized aggregates of spindle-shaped cells, and often remain confined to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, but widespread visceral involvement may occur. Kaposi's sarcoma occurs spontaneously in Jewish and Italian males in Europe and the United States. An aggressive variant in young children is endemic in some areas of Africa. A third form occurs in about 0.04% of kidney transplant patients. There is also a high incidence in AIDS patients. (From Dorland, 27th ed & Holland et al., Cancer Medicine, 3d ed, pp2105-7) HHV-8 is the suspected cause. Kaposi Sarcoma,Kaposi's Sarcoma,Multiple Idiopathic Pigmented Hemangiosarcoma,Kaposis Sarcoma,Sarcoma, Kaposi's
D015215 Zidovudine A dideoxynucleoside compound in which the 3'-hydroxy group on the sugar moiety has been replaced by an azido group. This modification prevents the formation of phosphodiester linkages which are needed for the completion of nucleic acid chains. The compound is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication, acting as a chain-terminator of viral DNA during reverse transcription. It improves immunologic function, partially reverses the HIV-induced neurological dysfunction, and improves certain other clinical abnormalities associated with AIDS. Its principal toxic effect is dose-dependent suppression of bone marrow, resulting in anemia and leukopenia. AZT (Antiviral),Azidothymidine,3'-Azido-2',3'-Dideoxythymidine,3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine,AZT Antiviral,AZT, Antiviral,BW A509U,BWA-509U,Retrovir,3' Azido 2',3' Dideoxythymidine,3' Azido 3' deoxythymidine,Antiviral AZT,BWA 509U,BWA509U
D015488 HIV Antigens Antigens associated with specific proteins of the human adult T-cell immunodeficiency virus (HIV); also called HTLV-III-associated and lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV) antigens. AIDS Antigens,HIV-Associated Antigens,HTLV-III Antigens,HTLV-III-LAV Antigens,LAV Antigens,Lymphadenopathy-Associated Antigens,T-Lymphotropic Virus Type III Antigens, Human,HIV Associated Antigens,HTLV III Antigens,HTLV III LAV Antigens,Lymphadenopathy Associated Antigens,T Lymphotropic Virus Type III Antigens, Human,Antigens, AIDS,Antigens, HIV,Antigens, HIV Associated,Antigens, HIV-Associated,Antigens, HTLV III,Antigens, HTLV-III,Antigens, HTLV-III-LAV,Antigens, LAV,Antigens, Lymphadenopathy Associated,Antigens, Lymphadenopathy-Associated,Associated Antigens, HIV,Associated Antigens, Lymphadenopathy,III Antigens, HTLV

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