Central nervous system toxicity of interferon

The potential role of Interferon (IFN) in the treatment of malignant disease is currently being evaluated. Some central nervous system (CNS) toxicity, usually manifested by drowsiness or confusion has been recorded with all IFN preparations. It was therefore decided to undertake a formal study of the CNS side effects of HuIFN- alpha N and gene-cloned HuIFN- alpha sub(2), given at the dose selected on the basis of Phase I Studies for the treatment of myelogenous leukaemia. The results of this study comprising clinical examination, serial electroencephalography (EEG), investigation of eye movements, biochemical tests of metabolic function and serum and cerebrospinal fluid IFN levels are presented.