We have investigated the antiproliferative effects of recombinant human alpha- and gamma-Interferon (IFN) and recombinant human Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF) against the hormone-independently growing PC3 and DU145 prostatic tumor lines. Subcutaneous, peritumoral administration of the drugs was started 24 hours after subcutaneous implantation of 1-2 mm3 tumor pieces. IFN was given three times per week and TNF five times per week. IFN-alpha (dose-range 0.5-5 ng/gram bodyweight) had significant growth-inhibiting effects against the PC3 tumor, but showed no significant antitumor effects against the DU145 tumor. IFN-gamma monotherapy (dose-range 8-80 ng/gram bodyweight) was less effective than IFN-alpha. 500 ng/gram TNF produced growth inhibition of both tumors, whereas the lower dose (50 ng/g) was only effective against the PC3 tumor. IFN-alpha and -gamma combination treatment had significant antiproliferative effects against the PC3 tumor, but not against the DU145 tumor. Combinations of IFN-alpha and TNF were very effective against both xenografts; some combinations resulted in complete growth inhibition. IFN-gamma and TNF combinations also showed significant antitumor effects against both tumor lines. We therefore conclude that cytokine combination treatment may provide a new approach in the treatment of hormone-escaped prostatic tumors.