Improving the cytogenetic response to interferon alpha by zidovudine (AZT) in an HIV-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia patient.
An asymptomatic HIV-positive patient with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) was treated by interferon-a (IFN-a) for four years. A sustained hematological response and major cytogenetic response were achieved. However, a complete cytogenetic remission (100% Ph-negative cells) was observed when zidovudine (AZT) was introduced as treatment for HIV-related immunodepression. Moreover, this complete cytogenetic remission was confirmed by quantitative PCR showing decreased BCR-ABL rearrangement at very low level. As, there are some in vitro reports demonstrating a synergistic antiproliferative effect of IFN-a and zidovudine, we discuss the possibility of synergistic effects between AZT and IFNa in the treatment of CML.
Mahon
F X
FX
Laboratoire Greffe de Moelle Université, (UMR CNRS 5540 Université Bordeaux 2), France.
Nabera
C B
CB
Pellegrin
J L
JL
Cony-Makhoul
P
P
Leng
B
B
Bernard
P
P
Reiffers
J
J
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007621:Karyotyping; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D015215:Zidovudine