Comparative study of systemic interferon alfa-2a plus isotretinoin versus isotretinoin in the treatment of recurrent condyloma acuminatum in men.

Objectives: Purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of isotretinoin versus interferon alfa-2a plus isotretinoin in the treatment of recurrent condyloma acuminatum in 86 men.

Methods: Men were randomly assigned to group A (n = 42) who received isotretinoin 1 mg/kg orally daily until remission was achieved, but not more than 3 months, or to group B (n = 44) who received interferon alfa-2a 3 x 10(5) IU subcutaneously three times weekly until remission was achieved, but not more than 8 weeks, plus isotretinoin in the same dosage as in group A.

Results: The reduced duration of treatment to achieve remission was statistically significant in group B (2.18 versus 2.5 months; P < 0.01) and the recurrence rate was less in group B (4 of 44 versus 16 of 42; P < 0.01).

Conclusions: The results of this study are encouraging and demonstrated that the combination of isotretinoin plus interferon alfa-2a achieves higher remission rates and a shorter duration of treatment than isotretinoin alone.