595 Pronounced dermatological side effects following irradiation (RT) given with interferon alpha-2A (IFN) plus retinoic acid (RA)

Phase II studies revealed increased response rates in patients with skin or cervical tumors treated with IFN plus RA as compared to conventional chemotherapy. We are currently applying combined RT and IFN (3 Mill. I.U. s.c. three times per week) plus RA (0.5 mg/kg/d p.o.) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. In 1/4 patients (68 year old woman with locally disseminated cervical cancer) we observed at 42/50 Gy of pelvic RT (2 Gy daily, five times per week, 42 MV photons) moist desquamation and pronounced erythema (WHO grade III). Symptoms occurred at exit portals. IFN plus RA were postponed and RT finalized. During next 3 weeks symptoms disappeared except for dry skin. IFN plus RA might increase skin reaction beyond 40 Gy; therefore, higher RT doses given with BRM substances warrant special observation.