Successful biochemoprevention in a patient with multiple aerodigestive malignancies

Background: Biochemoprevention combines high-dose retinoid, interferon, and vitamin therapies. We report a case of successful biochemoprevention in a 60-year-old man who had developed multiple premalignant and malignant aerodigestive lesions approximately every 2 years between 1990 and 1996. Methods: We treated the patient for 4 years with 13-cis-retinoic acid (40 mg/day), intefferon-α (2 million units twice weekly, administered 2 of every 4 weeks), and α-tocopherol (400 IU/day). The dosage was then reduced to 2 million units of interferon-α once weekly and 20 mg of 13-cis-retinoic acid daily (the dosage of α-tocopherol was unchanged) for 3 additional years. Results: During therapy, the minimal adverse effects reported included dry eyes, facial flushing, and altered taste perception. After 7 years of biochemoprevention, the patient remains disease free. Conclusions: Biochemoprevention can be a successful intervention in patients with multiple aerodigestive malignancies and, in certain patients, can increase long-term survival.