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Published Online, 13 September 2005, www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1E672.
 The Annals of Pharmacotherapy: Vol. 39, No. 10, pp. 1678-1686. DOI 10.1345/aph.1E672
© 2005 Harvey Whitney Books Company.
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PULMONARY

Interferon Gamma-1b in the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Michael A Pacanowski, PharmD1, and Guy W Amsden, PharmD FCP DABCP2

1 ASHP-Accredited Pharmacy Practice Resident, Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Care Services, Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, NY
2 Research Scientist and Clinical Specialist, Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Care Services, Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown

Reprints: Dr. Amsden, Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Bassett Healthcare, One Atwell Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326-1394, fax 607/547-6914, guy.amsden{at}bassett.org

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical aspects of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and the efficacy and safety of interferon gamma-1b (IFN{gamma}-1b) in its treatment.

DATA SOURCES: Epidemiologic, preclinical, and clinical studies published in the English language were identified by a MEDLINE search (1966-January 2005) using the search terms idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, and interferon. Additional citations were identified from the reference lists of related publications.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Selected preclinical studies describing the pathophysiologic basis for IFN{gamma}-1b therapy and all clinical studies were included. Additional trials describing other treatment modalities and the determinants of response to therapy in patients with IPF were also reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS: IFN{gamma}-1b targets the fibrotic rather than inflammatory processes of IPF. The efficacy of IFN{gamma}-1b in patients with IPF is inconsistent with regard to changes in pulmonary function and mortality, although a modest survival benefit was observed in the largest clinical trial. Adverse events related to IFN{gamma}-1b are frequent although transient. Several cases of respiratory failure occurring subsequent to the administration of IFN{gamma}-1b are documented.

CONCLUSIONS: To date, although trials suggest that earlier-stage IPF may be responsive to IFN{gamma}-1b, study results overall are inconsistent; further investigation is needed.

Key Words: cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, interferon

Published Online, September 13, 2005. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1E672




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