cisplatin + interferon alpha-2a

This drug is a combination therapy consisting of cisplatin, an alkylating antineoplastic agent, and interferon alpha-2a, an immunomodulatory cytokine. Cisplatin works by cross-linking DNA strands through alkylation of guanine bases, thereby preventing DNA replication and transcription which leads to tumor cell death. Interferon alpha-2a enhances the immune response against cancer cells by modulating immune system activity. The combination has been studied primarily for treatment of diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma (DMPM) and other cancers such as metastatic melanoma. Clinical studies have shown that this combination can produce partial and complete responses in some patients but is associated with significant toxicity including hematological toxicities (anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia), renal toxicity, asthenia, anorexia, nausea/emesis and weight loss. The regimen typically involves weekly administration cycles with intermittent rest periods to improve tolerability.