Treatment of early stage B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia with alpha-interferon. Gruppo per lo Studio e la Cura delle Gammapatie Monoclonali.
BACKGROUND
Progress in the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is slow. New investigational agents include alpha-interferon (IFN), which was shown to be active in small series of patients and for a short period of time.


METHODS
Human recombinant alpha-IFN-2b (INTRON-A) was administered at a dose of 3MU daily for 6 to 12 mo. to 26 patients with early stage and previously untreated CLL, and to 3 previously treated patients. Response (regression to stage 0, or reduction of leukemic cell mass to less than 50%) was evaluated after 6 and 12 mo.


RESULTS
15 of 26 pts. (58%) had a stable response for more than 1 year, 9 (31%) had temporary or minor response, and 2 (7%) had disease progression. In the remaining 3 cases, treatment was discontinued within 3 mo. because of side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
IFN is effective for long-term treatment and control of early stage CLL and is worth investigating in advanced stage CLL.
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012074:Remission Induction
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins