title: Recombinant leukocyte interferon alfa-2a in the treatment of mycosis fungoides.
abstract: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of recombinant leukocyte interferon alfa-2a (Hoffmann-LaRoche) as single agent in patients with histologically confirmed Mycosis Fungoides. The protocol consisted of a 12 week induction with subcutaneous interferon, escalating from 3 up to 18 million units daily, and a 6 or 9 month maintenance phase for complete or partial responses, respectively, with 18 million units 3 times weekly. 12 patients are evaluable: 5 are in complete remissions, 6 are partial remissions, and one had disease progression. Alfa-2a interferon was well tolerated: only 3 patients had WHO grade IV organ toxicity. Our study documents that recombinant leukocyte alfa 2a is a highly active agent in untreated patients with Mycosis Fungoides. Finally, the dose schedule chosen in this study allows alfa-2a interferon administration on an outpatient basis.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012751:Sezary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins