title: High doses of natural alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) in the treatment of multiple myeloma--a pilot study from the Myeloma Group of Central Sweden (MGCS).
abstract: alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) is a biological response modifier with a dose-dependent activity. The present study on the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with high doses of natural alpha-IFN was designed to meet this dose-dependent concept. 50 previously untreated patients with IgA and BJ myelomas and a s-Creatinine less than or equal to 200 mumol/l entered the study. Various treatment schedules were tested. The initial plan was to give the patients 30 X 10(6) U alpha-IFN daily. This dosage, however, gave unacceptable toxicity. Step-by-step decreasing dose schedules were given to the patients, 10 X 10(6) U of alpha-IFN daily for 7 consecutive d repeated every 3rd week was found to be the maximal tolerable dose that could be given to most patients. 36% (95% confidence levels: 22%-50%) of the patients responded: 41% of the IgA myelomas and 23% of BJ myelomas. Median time to response was 1.5 months and median response duration was 20 months. Impaired general condition and central nervous system and gastrointestinal-related toxicity were the main adverse reactions. Hematological side-effects were mild.
authors.affiliation: Radiumhemmet, Department of Biostatistics, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahre
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Björkholm
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Osterborg
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brenning
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gahrton
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gyllenhammar
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Holm
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Johansson
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Juliusson
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Järnmark
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I