THERAPY OF CHRONIC MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA WITH RECOMBINANT INTERFERON-GAMMA

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  • 1 October 1987
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 70  (4) , 943-947
Abstract
Recently, we reported that recombinant interferon-.alpha. (rIFN-.alpha.) can induce hematologic remissions and cytogenetic improvement in newly diagnosed Philadelphia (Ph)-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients. Although IFN-.gamma. is a structurally distinct molecule, this agent suppresses in vitro hematopoietic progenitor cells in a fashion similar to that of IFN-.alpha.. Therefore, we initiated a study of rIFN-.gamma. at doses of 0.25 to 0.5 mg/m2/d intramuscularly in patients with Ph-positive benign-phase CML. Twenty-six of 30 patients entered in the study were evaluable. Six patients have achieved a complete hematologic response; four, a partial hematologic response. The median follow-up period of patients who are in complete remission in 7.5 months (range, 5 to 12 months). No relapses have occurred among the complete responders. So far, five patients have had cytogenetic improvement with emergence of 5% to 45% diploid cells in the bone marrow. Fever and flulike symptoms were the most common side effects, with partial tolerance often developing after about 1 week. The majority of patients tolerated therapy with minimal change in performance status. In conclusion, rIFN-.gamma. has demonstrated clinical activity in CML. On the basis of these observations and the in vitro synergistic growth-inhibitory effects of IFN-.alpha. and IFN-.gamma., we have started trials of combination IFN therapy in CML patients.