Watch Dr. Cameron’s presentation to the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons: Interferon Alpha 2b injections may prolong life expectancy for mesothelioma patients

PRESENTATION TOPIC: Maintenance therapy for malignant mesothelioma to inhibit new cancerous tumors from forming and possibly extending the time between recurrences. When combined with surgery and radiation, Dr. Robert Cameron reports prolonged life expectancy to 37 months on average.  Click here to watch his presentation: Presentation Link

BACKGROUND:

What is interferon?

A protein produced naturally by the body’s immune system which helps fight infections and viruses.  Interferon alpha in particular fights infection and also prevents tumor formation.

One reason tumors grow in the body is because blood vessels bring nutrients to them.  Mesothelioma is a cancer known to cause many new blood vessels to form allowing multiple and diffuse tumors to grow and spread through the body.  Interferon alpha prevents new blood vessels from growing, which in turn starves tumors and limits their growth.

using interferon as maintenance therapy for mesothelioma may extend a patient’s life. 

Dr. Robert Cameron of UCLA has been treating malignant pleural mesothelioma patients with a daily low dose of interferon alpha since 2002.  Each night before going to sleep, the patient self-injects with a small dose of interferon alpha.  If, over time, the body tolerates the medication well, Dr. Cameron may slowly increase the dose.

Common side effects:

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, chills)
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Discomfort related to food and digestion
• Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness or confusion
• Mood disturbances such as depression
• Other possible changes such as hair thinning, skin discomfort or rash, dry mouth, or altered sense of taste
• Numbness in the hands or feet
• Autoimmunity

Warning to females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given during pregnancy. Use reliable birth control during this treatment. Contact your health care provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.

Warning to diabetics: This medicine may worsen diabetes, but rarely. Contact your health care provider if your condition changes.

When taken with other medicines, interferon can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Also, using multiple medicines together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider, especially if you are taking any of these medicines:

• theophylline and aminophylline
• zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT)

Be sure to tell all health care providers who treat you about all medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products, vitamins, and natural remedies. And remember to keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Do not share medicines with other people.

Is Interferon Alpha 2b right for you?

Have your Doctor contact Dr. Robert Cameron at (310) 231-2130 for more information.

FYI:  The Schering Plough Commitment to Care program offers financial assistance to qualified patients:

For some, there may be financial assistance through the Schering Plough Commitment to Care program.  In the U.S. complete your application by downloading this Commitment to Care Application and mailing it to:

Commitment to Care, Oncology Program
6900 College Blvd., Suite 1000
Overland Park, KS 66211

Or via Fax: (866) 277-9328
Questions? Call (800) 521-7157. 

In Canada, call (877) 494-0454 to speak with a specialist who will mail the appropriate forms to you and your doctor.  Hours are Monday – Friday 8 am – 8 pm (eastern).

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