[Mechanisms of the antitumor effects interferons].

Interferons alpha, beta and gamma form an interferon system, which is part of the non-specific immune defense of the organism. They participate in the defense against virus infections and have a marked immunoregulating effect. By interfering with the transmission of genetic information in the cells they exert an antiproliferative action on sound as well as tumour cells (they inhibit oncogenes). Alpha interferon exerts the most marked antiproliferative action. All mentioned mechanisms participate in the anti-tumourous action of interferons. The most widely used interferon in oncological treatment is interferon alpha.