[Intensive combined drug therapy and beta-interferon in the treatment of children with metastasizing neuroblastoma: GPO-NB 79/82 study].

From June 1979 to June 1982 72 children with metastatic neuroblastoma older than 1 year of age at diagnosis were treated according to the protocol NB 79 of the German Society for Paediatric Oncology. The chemotherapy included three cycles of adriamycine, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, dacarbazine and five cycles of adriamycine and cyclophosphamide. 34 patients were randomized for additional beta-Interferon (Fiblaferon) treatment (10(5) U/kg daily for 3 weeks followed by 3 times a week for 21 weeks). 38 patients were not treated with Fiblaferon. The response rate was 96% including 35% complete and 61% partial remissions. Preoperative chemotherapy improved remarkably the resectability of the primary tumor without enhancing complication rates. The cumulative proportion surviving was 21% for the interferon group and 6% for the patients not treated with interferon. The cumulative recurrence free survival rate, however, was 5% for both groups. The median survival time was 19 months and the median recurrence free survival time 10 months. A serious side effect of chemotherapy was bone marrow depression (73%) resulting in 1 week delay of drug administration per cycle. The median of administered drug dosages was 87-100% of the recommended dosages. Side effects of beta-Interferon commonly decreased with time and were fever reactions (55%), shaking chills (29%), cardiovascular reactions (16%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)