Interferon Alfa or No Further Therapy Following Surgery in Treating Patients With Stage II, Stage III, or Recurrent Melanoma

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the effects of adjuvant low-dose extended-duration interferon alfa on disease-free and overall survival in patients with completely resected malignant melanoma at high risk of recurrence. II. Determine any correlation between patient age or sex and the effects of interferon therapy on disease-free and overall survival. III. Describe the toxic effects of this treatment. IV. Evaluate the economic implications of implementing effective interferon therapy in these patients.

OUTLINE: This is a randomized study. Patients will be stratified by age, sex, disease status at entry, and participating institution. Patients are randomized to observation only or to receive interferon alfa by subcutaneous injections 3 times weekly for 2 years, or until disease progression or toxicity intervenes. Patients are followed monthly for 6 months, quarterly for 18 months, and every 6 months thereafter.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 1,000 patients will be entered over 5 years.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed malignant melanoma definitively resected within 12 weeks prior to entry One of the following categories: Stage II disease (greater than 4 mm Breslow thickness) Stage III disease (regional lymph node involvement) Recurrent non-nodal superficial regional disease (local or in transit) Recurrent regional nodal involvement

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Able to tolerate interferon No second malignancy except curatively treated: Carcinoma of the cervix Nonmelanomatous skin cancer No pregnant or nursing women

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior immunosuppressive therapy, including systemic steroids No prior biologic therapy Recovered from surgery