Interferon treatment in polycythaemia vera.
Recent studies have shown rIFN alpha to be an effective agent in the management of polycythemia vera. Red cell mass can be controlled within 6 to 12 months, eliminating the need for phlebotomy in up to 70% of cases. In addition, significant improvement in the platelet counts, iron status, pruritus scores and the degree of splenomegaly have been reported. Most patients require between 9 and 25 x 10(6)U/week, although once the disease is under control it may be possible to reduce both the dose and frequency of administration. Side-effects remain a significant problem, occurring in over 30% of patients, and may be related to the high mean age of the patients. Long-term studies are now indicated to determine if the natural history of the disease is altered and whether, in particular, the incidence of myelofibrosis and/or leukaemic transformation is reduced.
Reilly
J T
JT
Department of Haematology, Northern General Hospital Trust, Sheffield, UK.
Vellenga
E
E
De Wolff
J T
JT
D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004911:Erythrocyte Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D018962:Phlebotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011087:Polycythemia Vera / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D055728:Primary Myelofibrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins