title: Correlation between in vitro and in vivo sensitivity to human leucocyte interferon in patients with multiple myeloma.
abstract: 26 of 32 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) were successfully tested in vitro for human leucocyte interferon (IFN) sensitivity by use of the human tumour stem cell assay (HTCA) and/or 3H-thymidine incorporation (LI). Altogether, 12 patients were sensitive to IFN in vitro and 14 were resistant. All patients received treatment with leucocyte IFN. 8 patients were classified as responders, 3 as partial responders and 15 as non-responders. Correlating the in vitro/in vivo results, we found that the in vitro tests of the myeloma cells reflected a true sensitivity in 9 patients (75%) and a true resistance in 12 patients (86%). Furthermore, stimulation by IFN was found in 9 in vitro tests, of which 8 were obtained from non-responsive patients. Our results show that in vitro testing for IFN sensitivity is of clinical importance in predicting response to IFN treatment. Also, a stimulating effect by IFN in vitro will imply an unfavourable response in vivo.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003114:Colony-Forming Units Assay; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000628:therapy*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D014410:Tumor Stem Cell Assay
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I