title: Recombinant leukocyte A interferon: an active agent in advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.
abstract: High-dose recombinant leukocyte A interferon (50 X 10(6) U/m2 body surface area, intramuscularly, three times weekly) was tested in a clinical trial involving patients with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphomas to determine its effectiveness and toxicity. All 20 patients had advanced stages of disease refractory to two or more standard therapies. Objective partial remissions lasting 3 months to more than 25 months (median, 5 months) were documented in 9 patients. The major dose-limiting toxicity was a severe influenza-like syndrome with malaise, anorexia, depression, weight loss, and decreased performance status; this effect was reversible after dose reductions in all patients and did not recur with re-escalation of doses in 10 patients. This interferon preparation is highly effective in the treatment of advanced refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, and new schedules to reduce toxicity and achieve complete responses, combined treatment with chemotherapy or serotherapy, and its use in earlier stages of disease should be investigated.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012751:Sezary Syndrome / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I