What is interferon therapy?
interferon (IFN) is a type of protein called cytokine, which is excreted by the body cells during the infection. It can inhibit viruses in spreading into adjacent cells and can help destroy cancer cells. Interferon therapy uses these natural protective properties. Commercial interferon is used as a treatment of viral infections such as hepatitis C, and as a treatment of certain cancers. Each type binds to a different surface receptor on the cell. IFN-ALFA is the most commonly used in interferon therapy. It is used to treat hepatitis C, leukemia, lymphomas and recurring melanoma.
Interferon-alpha has many effects on cells in the body. When the virus infected cells in tissue or organ, interferon protects neighboring uninfected cells and stops the spread of the virus. Interferon therapy stimulates the release of enzymes that disrupt the protein synthesis and thus destroy cells infected with virus. In general, interferon-alpha is one of the treatment options in patients infected with hepatitis C. It can be used in combination with yinDrugs such as antiviral ribavirin, to improve the reaction to hepatitis c.
Another effect of IFN-alpha is to strengthen the immune system to prevent the spread of cancer in the body. Different types of cells in the body, namely natural killer cells (NK cells) or macrophages, are activated by interferon and then attack and destroy cancer cells. Interferon also increases protein expression on the surface of tumor cells, making it more visible for attacking the immune system cells.
interferon therapy is used to treat patients suffering from malignant melanoma, which has spread to lymph nodes. It has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate in melanoma patients. Interferon can also be used to treat other cancer, especially leukemia and lymphoma.
The physician must administer interferon to the patient and may be administered as an injection in a muscle, under the skin or vein. Interferon therapy has several side effects thatThe patient must be aware of. The patient can often develop fever, chills and symptoms similar to flu. There may also be fatigue, headache and muscle pain. If these side effects are too severe, the patient may need to interrupt interferon treatment.
One formulation of IFN-alpha, which is used in interferon therapy, contains polyethylene glycol molecule. This molecule prevents the rapid disintegration of interferon in the body and allows the injection to be administered once a week instead of a standard dose three times a week. Increasing the interval between treatment can also reduce side effects.