OBJECTIVE: to describe the results of the use of alpha-2a-interferon in the treatment of inoperable childhood lymphangiomas refractory to other therapeutic management. METHOD: we reviewed the literature about pathogenic events and the treatments available for lymphangiomas. Based on that, we used alpha-2a-interferon at a dose of 3 million units/m2/day administered subcutaneously to patients with inoperable disease and no response to other treatments. We conducted periodic clinical and laboratory control to evaluate the response and the adverse reactions to alpha-2a-interferon administration. RESULTS: we observed that the 6 patients with inoperable lymphangiomas who used alpha-2a-interferon had a satisfactory clinical response associated with minimum adverse reactions. Of these patients, 5 had partial regression of their lesions, and 1 remained stable. CONCLUSION: alpha-2a-interferon may be one more available treatment for inoperable childhood lymphangiomas.
lymphangioma; cystic hygroma; interferon
