[Clinical application of anticancer cytokines].

The clinical application of anticancer cytokines (interferons, interleukin-1, interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor) are reviewed. Although anticancer cytokines have confirmed its usefulness against some tumors which are refractory to the treatment using anticancer drugs, the results of clinical trials have generally been disappointing because the target spectrum and efficiency is somewhat limited. Recently, combined efficacy between interferon and anticancer drugs was reported in some malignancies such as multiple myeloma and colorectal carcinoma. For the development of effective combination treatment, we need more basic and clinical information on dose, schedule and sequence of drug administration.