title: The effect of recombinant alpha-interferon on natural killer cell activity and clinical course in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.
abstract: Thirteen patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were included in this study and consented to treatment with recombinant alpha-interferon (a-IFN). These patients were subclassified: six as RAEB, one as RAEB-T and six as CMML. T-cell subsets and natural killer cells were identified in the peripheral blood with the use of monoclonal antibodies and natural killer cell activity (NKa) was assayed before, during and after a-INF treatment. The treatment schedule consisted of 2.0 MU/m2 sc t.i.w. continuously for the three months. Prior to treatment, NKa was found decreased in 11 of 13 patients as compared to that of normal individuals. Following a-IFN administration, a rise of NKa was observed in eight of the eleven patients. In those who responded, a-IFN was continued for 1 to 21 months. Alpha-IFN treatment was myelosuppressive for most of the patients, but transient increase of the number of neutrophils and platelets was observed in 3 and of the reticulocytes in one patient. Disease progression was recorded in 9/13 patients (69%) at a median time of 17.3 months. The median overall survival was 30.5 months (range 7.5 to 65+ months). No evidence of a relationship was found between the rise in Nka and the limited clinical improvement observed. Two NKa responders under continuous a-IFN treatment are in stable clinical condition for 36+ and 65+ months. The study provides only limited evidence that a-IFN may improve the clinical course of patients with MDS.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Athens Medical School, Laiko Hospital, Greece.
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yataganas
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Eliopoulos
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Koulocheri
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Viniou
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Plata
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Panagiotidis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vayopoulos
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meletis
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fessas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis; D017252:CD3 Complex; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D007938:Leukemia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000032:analysis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D017252:CD3 Complex; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D007370:Interferon Type I; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D011994:Recombinant Proteins