Alpha-interferon

Diagram of the molecular structure of Alpha-interferon
Brand name: Intron®
Brand name: Roferon®-A
Brand name: Sylatron®
FDA approval: Yes
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Usage:

Alpha-interferonA group of protein messengers produced by cells of the immune system and some other cells. Interferons can help cells to defend themselves against viral infection and are used in the treatment of some cancers to boost the body's ability to eliminate cancer cells. is usually given in a two-step process. During the first step (induction), the drug is given in a vein (intravenously). In the second step, the drug is given by injections under the skin, usually in the abdomen or thigh. Alpha-interferon is used to treat kidney (renal) tumors, melanoma, multiple myelomaAlso: malignant plasmocytoma. A cancer of the bone marrow in which plasma cells overgrow the normal cells. Plasma cells are B-cells that are fully differentiated and are producing antibodies., carcinoid tumors and some types of lymphomaA cancer arising in the lymphatic system. The white blood cells affected are part of the body's immune system. The lymphatic system is a large network of vessels that carry fluid and cells of the immune system around the body. Lymph nodes are regional collection centers in the lymphatic system. See also, 'lymphatic system'. and leukemiaA cancer affecting the cells that develop into white or red blood cells. Both of these cell types originate from stem cells in bone marrow. Red blood cells function to carry oxygen to our tissues and the white cells (leukocytes) are part of our immune system. The cancerous cells often accumulate in the blood..1, 2 Alpha-interferon is also used to treat hepatitis infections (Rebetron®, Rebetol®). A new version of alpha-interferon (Sylatron®) was approved in 2011 for the treatment of melanoma. This new form allows the drug to last for a longer period of time in the body.3

Mechanism:

Alpha-interferonA group of protein messengers produced by cells of the immune system and some other cells. Interferons can help cells to defend themselves against viral infection and are used in the treatment of some cancers to boost the body's ability to eliminate cancer cells. is a naturally occurring proteinOne of the four basic types of biomolecule. Proteins are polymers made up of strings of amino acids. Proteins serve many functions in organisms including transport of molecules, structure, cell adhesion and as signaling molecules such as hormones. Many transcription factors, including p53 and Rb are proteins. that is found in the body in small amounts. Use of Alpha-interferon treatments lead to inhibition of tumor cell protein production, which also helps by prolonging the cell cycle and modulating oncogeneA defective gene that is involved in triggering cancer cell growth. Oncogenes are altered forms of genes that normally are involved stimulating cell division. These normal genes are mutated and function in an inappropriate manner in cancer cells. An analogy would be that a mutated oncogene is like a car's gas pedal stuck in the on position. All forms of cancer have one or more mutant oncogenes. Examples of oncogenes that are altered in many cancers are myc, ras and Her-2/neu. Contrast with 'tumor suppressor'. expression.  Despite this, the exact mechanism of anti tumor action remains unknown.1  

The above diagram shows the 3D conformer of parent compound Prochloraz.

Side effects:

Side effects of Alpha-interferonA group of protein messengers produced by cells of the immune system and some other cells. Interferons can help cells to defend themselves against viral infection and are used in the treatment of some cancers to boost the body's ability to eliminate cancer cells. can often be somewhat severe, as flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body weakness) occur in 80-90% of patients.  However, these issues typically occur only right after a treatment and decrease with subsequent treatments. Other side effects can include: fatigue, confusion, depression (especially in the elderly) and skin issues.1

Contraindications:

InterferonA group of protein messengers produced by cells of the immune system and some other cells. Interferons can help cells to defend themselves against viral infection and are used in the treatment of some cancers to boost the body's ability to eliminate cancer cells. can worsen existing heart, kidney, liver, and mental health problems.