title: Response to intermediate and standard doses of IFN-beta in hairy-cell leukaemia.
abstract: Thirteen hairy-cell leukaemia patients were treated with IFN-beta (6 X 10(6) IU/m2) for 7 days, alternate weeks, for three cycles. IFN-beta was then continued at the same dose twice a week for 24 weeks. Treatment was discontinued in 2 non-responders and 2 partial responders (1 haem PR, 1 path PR) because of complications unrelated to IFN. The objective response in the nine patients who completed therapy was 66% (1 CR, 3 path PR and 2 haem PR); 2 patients achieved MR. Responses lasted from 5 to 45+ months. Four newly diagnosed patients and 3 in relapse after discontinuation of IFN-beta therapy (6 X 10(6) IU/m2), were treated with a lower dose of IFN-beta (2 X 10(6) IU/m2). The objective response to this dose was 57% (3 path PR, 1 haem PR). Another patient obtained MR. No patient has relapsed 6-12 months after therapy discontinuation. IFN-beta was well tolerated, especially at the lower dose and no chronic toxicity was observed. Therefore IFN-beta may be suggested as an alternative treatment for HCL.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Medica I Perugia University, Italy.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Liberati
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fizzotti
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Di Clemente
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Senatore
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Berruto
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Falini
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Martelli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Grignani
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007943:Leukemia, Hairy Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I