title: Remission may continue after termination of rIFN alpha-2b treatment for essential thrombocythemia.
abstract: Essential thrombocythemia, a myeloproliferative disorder of clonal origin, is often associated with various clinical manifestations resulting from thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications. The long-established successful method of treatment with cytotoxic agents or radioactive phosphorus has recently been superseded by interferon alpha. We treated 14 symptomatic patients with 5 x 10(6) IU recombinant interferon alpha-2b s.c. daily. 12/14 pts responded within 14-75 days. When platelet counts decreased to below 450 g/l the frequency of administration was reduced stepwise. 7 patients remained in CR during this reduction phase and treatment was stopped in 5 pts after 12-32 months. Until now, 3 of them are still in continuous good PR without any drug therapy and free of symptoms for 3+, 19+ and 36+ months. Continuous response during maintenance was associated with age, initial platelet count and time required to reduce platelet counts to less than 450 g/l.
authors.affiliation: 3rd Med. Dept., Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kasparu
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernhart
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Krieger
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lutz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013920:Thrombocythemia, Essential / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins