10.22.2003
Interferon
The CancerBACUP Factsheet
Interferon is a protein that occurs naturally in the body in very small amounts. There are three main types of interferon: alpha, beta and gamma. This factsheet describes alpha interferon.
Interferon is prescribed to help treat a small number of types of cancer. These include cancer of the kidney, melanoma, multiple myeloma, carcinoid tumours and some types of lymphoma and leukaemia. It is also used to treat diseases other than cancer.
CancerBACUP can send you booklets or factsheets on your type of cancer.
What it looks like
Interferon alfa is a white powder that forms a clear, straw-coloured liquid when mixed with water. It can also be supplied ready diluted in small glass vials (bottles), pre-filled syringes, and special injection pen devices.
How it is given
As an injection just under the skin (subcutaneously), usually in the thigh or abdomen. You, or your relatives, can be taught how to give these injections, or a district nurse may visit you so that you can have your treatment at home. A variety of pre-filled syringes are available and it can be helpful to discuss with your doctor or nurse which way of giving the treatment would be most suitable for you.
Your doctor or specialist nurse will explain how often you should be given the drug, and how long the treatment course will last. This varies from person to person, depending on the illness they have.
How it works
Interferon is given to stimulate the body's own immune system to fight some types of cancer. The exact way in which it works is not fully understood. It is thought to have a wide range of biological effects. It may do one or more of the following:
* Slow down or stop cancer cells dividing
* Reduce the ability of cancer cells to protect themselves from the immune system
* Strengthen the body's immune system
The CancerBACUP Factsheet
Interferon is a protein that occurs naturally in the body in very small amounts. There are three main types of interferon: alpha, beta and gamma. This factsheet describes alpha interferon.
Interferon is prescribed to help treat a small number of types of cancer. These include cancer of the kidney, melanoma, multiple myeloma, carcinoid tumours and some types of lymphoma and leukaemia. It is also used to treat diseases other than cancer.
CancerBACUP can send you booklets or factsheets on your type of cancer.
What it looks like
Interferon alfa is a white powder that forms a clear, straw-coloured liquid when mixed with water. It can also be supplied ready diluted in small glass vials (bottles), pre-filled syringes, and special injection pen devices.
How it is given
As an injection just under the skin (subcutaneously), usually in the thigh or abdomen. You, or your relatives, can be taught how to give these injections, or a district nurse may visit you so that you can have your treatment at home. A variety of pre-filled syringes are available and it can be helpful to discuss with your doctor or nurse which way of giving the treatment would be most suitable for you.
Your doctor or specialist nurse will explain how often you should be given the drug, and how long the treatment course will last. This varies from person to person, depending on the illness they have.
How it works
Interferon is given to stimulate the body's own immune system to fight some types of cancer. The exact way in which it works is not fully understood. It is thought to have a wide range of biological effects. It may do one or more of the following:
* Slow down or stop cancer cells dividing
* Reduce the ability of cancer cells to protect themselves from the immune system
* Strengthen the body's immune system
Comments:
Post a Comment
![[ BLoG'N XML ]](http://sanonofre.com/blog/xml.gif){kind=small}