An alternative dosing strategy for ropeginterferon alfa-2b may help improve outcomes in myeloproliferative neoplasms: An overview of previous and ongoing studies with perspectives on the future

Abstract

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a novel, long-acting mono-pegylated proline-IFN-alpha-2b approved for treatment of polycythemia vera in adults, regardless of thrombotic risk level or treatment history. Clinical trial data indicate the dose and titration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b is safe and effective. However, additional studies may provide rationale for an amended, higher initial dosage and rapid titration. This article is an overview of current and upcoming studies of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in myeloproliferative neoplasms that support the exploration of an amended dosing scheme in order to optimize patient tolerability and efficacy outcomes.

An anti-cancer surveillance by the interplay between interferon-beta and retinoblastoma protein RB1

“…The FDA has approved ropeginterferon alfa-2b for the treatment of PV ( 118 ). Emerging data indicate that administration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b at a higher starting dose may lead to a quicker and greater level of complete hematological remission and reduction in the mutant variant allele frequency with manageable toxicities ( 119 ). Therefore, it is possible that a new generation IFN-based agent, such as ropeginterferon alfa-2b, may provide promising new treatment options for patients with a metastatic cancer at a favorable benefit-risk balance.…”

Delivery of Interferon β-Encoding Plasmid via Lipid Nanoparticle Restores Interferon β Expression to Enhance Antitumor Immunity in Colon Cancer

“…This systemic IFNα regimen has severe adverse effects. , To overcome the adverse effects, polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) was conjugated to IFNα2 proteins . PEGIFNα2 protein has a significantly longer half-life in vivo and avoids the need for frequent administration with improved efficacy in suppression of melanoma and polycythemia vera. − However, there are no overall significant differences in adverse effect incidences between patients treated with this second generation IFNα2 protein agent and patients treated with the first generation IFNα2 protein . Therefore, although the second generation PEGIFNα2 protein has improved pharmacokinetics and has been approved by the FDA, the highly toxic side effect still remains.…”

“…IFNα2 protein is a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved agent for melanoma, hairy cell leukemia, and renal cell carcinoma. − High doses and high administration frequencies of IFNα2 protein are required due to its short half-life to achieve therapeutic responses in cancer patients. This systemic IFNα regimen has severe adverse effects. , To overcome the adverse effects, polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) was conjugated to IFNα2 proteins . PEGIFNα2 protein has a significantly longer half-life in vivo and avoids the need for frequent administration with improved efficacy in suppression of melanoma and polycythemia vera. − However, there are no overall significant differences in adverse effect incidences between patients treated with this second generation IFNα2 protein agent and patients treated with the first generation IFNα2 protein .…”

Letter to the Editor: A Favorable Benefit–Risk Balance Maybe Expected with Replication-Defective Adenovirus-Mediated Interferon Gene Therapy for Cancer Treatment

“…Our recent data on ropeginterferon alfa-2b, a new-generation pegylated IFN, indicate that patients can tolerate its higher doses, suggesting that certain levels of IFN in the circulation system do not cause an unmanageable safety risk. 5 With the technical advances in the image-guided clinical deliveries and gene therapy vector production, it is conceivable that a replication-defective human IFN-α or -β-encoding adenovirus can deliver promising treatment options to more cancer patients and could be applied in more cancer indications beyond the high-risk BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive human bladder cancer.…”