What are the differences between high dose interferon versus pegylated interferon and which is more effective?

Topic Tags:  
Topic Tags:  
Done
Diseases:  
Diseases:  
Done
Emailz
1
Expert Answers

KimMargolinMD (Physician - Oncology - Hematology/Oncology (Verified) ) - 08 / 06 / 2012

The main difference is that high-dose interferon is traditionally given with a 1-month induction period consisting of daily x 5/week intravenous infusions of the drug, followed by three-times-weekly self-administered injections under the skin for the ensuing 11 months. PEG-interferon is given as the weekly subcutaneous injections throughout the therapeutic period, which is intended to last for 5 years but may conclude earlier in the event of relapse or intolerance. The side effects of high-dose interferon are more severe during the induction period, when it is given in very high doses intravenously, and more tolerable during the period of thrice weekly injections under the skin. PEG-interferon is started at an initial moderate dose that is continued weekly for 8 weeks and followed by the maintenance dose, half as much as the induction dose, for the remainder of the 5 years of planned therapy. During the long-term treatment, side effects are comparable, in part because the dose of regular interferon may be lowered to manage side effects and keep them tolerable. The ability to reduce the chance of relapse is similar; in terms of enhancing survival, regular interferon has shown modest improvements in the overall patient groups, possibly more in some subgroups than others, while PEG-interferon has no overall impact on survival but has distinct benefits in well-defined subgroups which are currently being studied in greater detail (microscopic involvement of lymph node and ulceration of the primary melanoma).
Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.
Similar Questions
Are there any Stage II melanoma patients currently receiving interferon or any other drug treatment? Anyone been treated? What have your experiences been?
What are the differences between invasive lobular and invasive ductal breast cancers?
What are the differences between a primary brain tumor and brain metastases?
What are the differences between phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials?
What are the differences in a tissue sample between a hyperplasia and an atypical hyperplasia?
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Flag Content
Please explain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.
Cancel
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Ok
Give a 'Thank you' to
Cancel
Close
Talk About Health
Add Answer

Close
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Close
Subscribe to our free updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts!
Your Email:
Q&A Workshop Announcements
(Featured experts, answers, tips, & latest news.)
Q&A Workshop Summaries
(Answer summaries from our expert Q&A workshops.)
Best of TalkAboutHealth (weekly)
(The week's best answers, news & support.)
TalkAboutHealth Benefits
(Custom health, wellness & medical promotions from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities, & new programs.)

Partners become a partner

© Copyright 2013 - Talk About Health - Privacy Policy | Terms of Service