IFNα2b augments immune responses of cisplatin+5-fluorouracil treated tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients - A preliminary study

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Interferon alpha 2b (IFNα2b) has been reported to regulate several immune functions efficiently to enhance the cytotoxic activity of NK and T cells towards various forms of tumours. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of IFNα2b in overcoming disease induced and/or treatment associated imunosuppression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) patients undergoing chemotherapy for better clinical outcome. METHODS: Seven TSCC patients under cisplatin + 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy in combination with IFNα2b were assessed for various immunohaematological parameters before treatment, after chemotherapy and after IFNα2b therapy. RESULTS: Deterioration of the haematological and immune responses was detected in immunosuppressed TSCC patients after chemotherapy. IFNα2b treatment led to a recovery in these parameters in most of the patients. Greater number of T/NK cells and enhanced secretion of type 1 cytokines were also noted. Haematological complications were reduced after completion of the therapy. Immune- and haematostimulation were also observed in patients with partial response. No positive clinical response was detected in one patient. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: IFNα2b appears to be an effective immunostimulator having clinical impact to combat the immunosuppression in TSCC patients. Successful immunostimulation by IFNα2b may help TSCC patients in clinical improvement. The findings of this preliminary study need to be confirmed on a large number of patients with TSCC.