RECOMBINANT ALPHA-2 INTERFERON IN THE TREATMENT OF HAIRY-CELL LEUKEMIA

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 69  (7-8) , 791-793
Abstract
Fourteen patients with hairy cell leukemia, 13 of whom had progressive disease, with recombinant .alpha.-2 interferon administered s.c. at 2 .times. 106 U/m2, 3 times per week. Thirteen patients were evaluable for response. All evaluable patients responded within 6-8 weeks. After a minimal treatment duration of 6 mo. and a maximal of 12 mo., 3 patients have achieved complete response and 10 have achieved partial response. With a median treatment duration of 10 mo., the responding patients'' hematologic parameters are continuing to improve and no responding patients have relapsed. This outpatient self-administered regimen is well-tolerated, with mild fever, myalgias and headache usually resolving within 2 mo. Although the optimal regimen and mechanism of action are unknown, recombinant .alpha.-2 interferon may be the treatment of choice for patients whose disease progresses after splenectomy or who are not surgical candidates.