Topical α-interferon in keratoacanthomas in kidney transplant recipients

We report our experience in the treatment of keratoacanthomas in kidney transplant recipients with topical α-interferon. The mechanism of action by which topical α-interferon may act in KA is unknown. A direct action against tumor cell lines via cytostasis and/or cytolysis and an indirect anti-tumor effect with augmentation of natural killer cell activity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity have been hypothesized. Moreover, α-interferon has a direct antiviral activity and, among the pathogenetic theories of KA, the viral one is usually accepted. The results of this preliminary report lead us to believe that the aforesaid actions of α-interferon may also act in immunosuppressed patients