Recombinant alpha 2-interferon in the treatment of B chronic lymphocytic
leukemia in early stages
C Rozman, E Montserrat, N Vinolas, A Urbano-Ispizua, JM Ribera, T Gallart and C Compernolle
Postgraduate School of Hematology Farreras Valenti, Hospital Clinic i
Provincial, Barcelona, Spain.
Ten previously untreated patients with early B cell chronic lymphocytic
leukemia (B-CLL) (seven in Rai's stage 0, three in stage I) were given
recombinant alpha 2-interferon (alpha 2IF) (2 X 10(6) U/m2 intramuscularly
three times a week for a minimum of 14 weeks) to assess its effectiveness.
All patients were evaluable for response to therapy and toxicity. No
complete response was achieved. In all cases a definite, although transient
reduction in the absolute number of peripheral blood lymphocytes was
observed. In eight patients an increase in the absolute number of
granulocytes was detected. None of the patients experienced severe
hematologic toxicity. Fatigue, malaise, and fever were the more common side
effects, but all patients were able to finish their treatment as planned.
The results of this pilot study suggest that low doses of recombinant alpha
2-IF have some activity in early and previously untreated B-CLL and that
further studies of IF effectiveness in B-CLL seem warranted.
Volume 71,
Issue 5,
pp. 1295-1298,
05/01/1988
Copyright © 1988 by The American Society of Hematology
