Is interferon alpha in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma a treatment of choice?
This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of recombinant interferon alpha-2a (rIFN alfa-2a) given as initial systemic therapy in untreated mycosis fungoides and/or Sezary's syndrome patients, at a slowly escalating schedule up to the maximal tolerated dose. At the same time this schedule was administered in patients who had relapsed or were refractory to previous treatment; 28 newly diagnosed and 15 previously treated patients entered the study. IFN was given daily with dose escalation from 3 to 18 MU. The last follow-up in June 1990 indicates that 90% of previously untreated patients who obtained a complete remission remain in continuous complete remission after 18 to 40 months and that 75% of previously untreated patients who obtained partial remission remain in partial remission after 20-44 months. The event-free survival projected, calculated using the Kaplan and Meier product limit technique, was 21% of all patients at 54.7 months (40% in the previously untreated groups and 14% in the previously treated group: P = 0.12). In conclusion, interferon is very effective as a single agent in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.
Papa
G
G
Chair of Hematology, II University, Rome, Italy.
Tura
S
S
Mandelli
F
F
Vegna
M L
ML
Defazio
D
D
Mazza
P
P
Zinzani
P L
PL
Simoni
R
R
DePita
O
O
Ferranti
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012074:Remission Induction; D012751:Sezary Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins