Human lymphoblastoid interferon does not increase survival when added to mitozantrone in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas

SUMMARY Human lymphoblastoid interferon, in an initial dose of 2.5 MU m−2 weekly i.m., was given with mitozantrone 12 mg m−2 i.v. every 3 weeks to 15 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The survival curve for these patients was worse than that of 15 patients previously treated with mitozantrone alone; there were more long-term survivors in those not given interferon; more side-effects were seen in the group given interferon. The addition of interferon to mitozantrone in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma is not recommended.