Effect of interferon alpha‐2b in advanced multiple myeloma

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Abstract
The antitumour effect of recombinant human interferon (rh‐IFN) alpha‐2b was studied in 22 patients with advanced multiple myeloma (MM). Nine of 14 evaluable cases were refractory to cytostatic therapy; five were in relapse. rh‐IFN was administered s.c. three times per week, in escalating doses starting with 2 times 106 IU m−2 and if possible up to 15 times 106 IU m−2. Two patients (one refractory, one relapsing) showed a partial response, defined as a 50% reduction of the serum M‐component. Three further patients had a minor, significant but short‐lived response. Subjective side‐effects grade 1–2 were noted during rh‐IFN therapy in all patients. In three cases thrombocytopenia necessitating platelet transfusions occurred. Although a fraction of patients with advanced MM obviously respond to rh‐IFN, this type of therapy may be more effective, alone or in addition to chemotherapy, in patients with a low tumour cell burden.