Treatment with Interferon-α-2b in Children with Life-Threatening Hemangiomas

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Childhood hemangiomas are benign tumors of endothelial cells, characterized by a rapidly proliferating initial phase and followed by a slow involution. However, some grow and may reach a massive size, threatening a patient's functions or life. These require immediate medical treatment. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the therapeutic effectiveness of interferon (IFN)-alpha-2b in children with hemangiomas threatening the patient's functions or life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients were treated with IFN-alpha-2b at a dosage of 3 million U/m(2) corporal surface, applied subcutaneously, 5 days a week for the first 6 months and subsequently three times a week for 6 to 24 months. RESULTS The study included 20 patients with hemangiomas localized in different sites and with diverse functional alterations: ages varied between 3 and 48 months (median, 12.8 months), and 8 were male and 12 female. An excellent response was observed in 17 (85%) patients. Side effects were slight and transitory; there was a follow-up from 7 to 10 years, and no late toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that IFN-alpha-2b is an effective option for treating alarming hemangiomas that are resistant to steroids and that endanger proper functioning of the affected organ or the patient's life.