Antineoplastic interferons are interferons (alpha) that are manufactured using recombinant DNA technology and used therapeutically to treat certain types of cancers and viral infections.
Natural interferons enhance the immune system in many ways so can be used to treat different conditions involving the immune system. Interferons are proteins produced by host cells that are infected with viruses, bacteria, other unknown nucleic acids or tumor cells. Interferons also activate other cells that serve as part of the immune system, and destroy invading pathogens. Antineoplastic interferons are used as part of the treatment for cancers like angioblastoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia and hairy cell leukemia, certain types of lymphomas, AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma and malignant melanomas. They are also used in the treatment of viral infections such as hepatitis B and C, and human papillomavirus.