Beta-interferon, retinoids and tamoxifen combination in advanced breast cancer

PURPOSE: To investigate, in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), a combination of retinoids, beta-interferon (beta-IFN) and tamoxifen (TAM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This trial was conducted from January 1987 to June 1992 in 85 consecutive patients with MBC. All patients had been treated for metastatic disease: 43 patients received chemotherapy, 35 received hormone therapy and 7 received both. Forty-nine patients, with a better prognosis, and a longer disease-free survival (DFS) were treated with beta-IFN 1 x 10(6) IU/m2 subcutaneously three times a week, TAM 10 mg TID, retinyl palmitate (R) 50,000 IU BID. Thirty-six patients with shorter DFS, were first treated with 8 courses of chemotherapy followed, in responders, by beta-IFN, R and TAM. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 7 years (minimum 4 years) 59% of 85 evaluable patients responded, 20% had stabilization of disease and 21% progressed. Median response duration was 43 months. Median survival was 28 months and 25% of patients were alive after 9 years. Toxicity of biological therapy was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that beta-IFN, TAM and R combination is effective as salvage therapy in patients with MBC.