RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Role of Interferon-alpha in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Retrospective Study JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 6601 OP 6607 VO 34 IS 11 A1 EITAN MIRVIS A1 DALVINDER MANDAIR A1 JORGE GARCIA-HERNANDEZ A1 MULLAN MOHMADUVESH A1 CHRISTOS TOUMPANAKIS A1 MARTYN CAPLIN YR 2014 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/34/11/6601.abstract AB Background/Aim: Interferon alpha (IFNα) is used sparingly in the management of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) due to toxicity and perceived limited efficacy. Other medical therapeutic options include somatostatin analogues and molecular-targeted agents, as well as chemotherapy and radionuclide targeted-therapy. The aim of the present study was to perform a retrospective analysis of patients treated with IFNα. Patients and Methods: Patients were identified from the NET database. Radiological, biochemical and symptomatic response were assessed. Progression-free survival (PFS), adverse events and toxicities were recorded. Results: Thirty-five patients were treated with IFNα, with a mean age of 60.1 (range=38-85) years; eight patients (23%) withdrew before 3 months, one (3%) had complete response; there was one partial response; 25 patients (71%) had at least three months of stable disease. The median PFS was 25 months. Conclusion: IFNα demonstrated efficacy and was reasonably tolerated. IFNα may still have a role in small-volume diffuse disease, in syndromic patients where there is resistance to somatostatin analogue, or as a bridge to other therapies.