Interferon alfa-2a in the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma.
Twenty-two patients with Stages Ia to IVa cutaneous T cell lymphoma were entered into a controlled trial of interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A). Patients initially received either 3 million IU interferon alfa-2a, or their dosage was escalated to 36 million IU intramuscularly daily for a 10-week induction period. At the end of induction, 14/22 (64%) of patients had an objective antitumor response: three patients had a complete response, ten patients had a partial response (greater than or equal to 50% resolution of clinical disease), and one patient had a minor response. Responders included those with Stages Ia to IVa cutaneous T cell lymphoma, and remissions have lasted at least 4 to 27.5 months. Three patients progressed from a partial to complete response with further treatment, for an overall complete response rate of 27%. Acute flu-like side effects were generally minor and transient. Malaise/fatigue, depression, anorexia, and weight loss were common chronic dose-related side effects and the most frequent reasons for dose reduction or discontinuation of drug. Leukopenia was the most common laboratory side effect and was also dose-related. Recombinant human leukocyte interferon alfa-2a is an effective and well-tolerated single-agent therapy for early and advanced cutaneous T cell lymphoma.
Olsen
E A
EA
Division of Dermatology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
Rosen
S T
ST
Vollmer
R T
RT
Variakojis
D
D
Roenigk
H H
HH
Diab
N
N
Zeffren
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011897:Random Allocation; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes
D007370:Interferon Type I; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins