Evaluation of interferon alpha2 (SCH 30500) in the treatment of condyloma acuminatum

A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the efficacy and safety of interferon-alpha2 in the treatment of condyloma acuminatum was conducted enrolling 114 patients. A single wart on each patient was injected with .01 ml 106 units interferon, 105 units interferon, or a placebo, three times weekly for three weeks and then followed for an additional nine weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by measuring change in size and overall change in disease status of the test wart relative to initial condition. In the high-dose treatment group, the mean percent improvement in lesion size was 70.9% at 12 weeks versus 22.5% and 16.7% for low-dose interferon and placebo, respectively (p > .05). Complete clearing of the treated wart occurred in 53% of the high-dose interferon group versus 10% and 14% of the low-dose interferon and placebo groups, respectively (p > .01). Adverse reactions were mild and limited in duration. Flu-like symptoms were present in 57% of high-dose, 29% of low-dose, and 23% of placebo patients. Alpha2-interferon at a dose of 106 units injected intralesionally three times a week for three weeks was highly efficacious in the treatment of condylomata acuminata with excellent safety.