5-Fluorouracil versus 5-fluorouracil plus alpha-interferon as treatment of metastatic colorectal carcinoma. A randomized study.

Background: In 1989, S. Wadler reported very promising results (76% response rate) with a combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus alpha-2a interferon (IFN) in the treatment of metastatic colorectal carcinoma (MCRC). In vitro, there are several potential explanations for synergism between the two agents.