Augmentation of activity of cis-diamminedichloro-platinum(II) and mitomycin C by interferon in human malignant mesothelioma xenografts in nude mice

Two human mesothelioma xenograft lines, BG and ES, serially passaged in athymic mice, were studied to determine the efficacy of alpha -interferon in this type of tumor. Treatment began after progressive tumor growth was established. Mild inhibitory activity was noted in both lines with interferon alone. cis-Diamminedichloro-platinum(II) (CDDP) (4 mg/kg) weekly x 5 was effective in line BG, while mitomycin C (1.5 mg/kg) weekly x 3 was effective in line ES. CDDP was not as effective in line ES. The combination of recombinant human alpha -interferon-2a and active chemotherapeutic agents is effective in mesothelioma xenografts.