Leukocyte interferon-induced myeloid cytoreduction in chronic myelogenous leukemia

Abstract

We investigated the antiproliferative effect of partially purified human leukocyte interferon (HuIFN-alpha) given in a dose of 9–15 X 10(6) U daily by intramuscular injection to 7 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Hematologic remission of the disease was obtained in 5 patients. Among the responding patients, the mean white blood cell count decreased from 97.4 X 10(3)/cu mm (range from 35 X 10(3)/cu mm to 239 X 10(3)/cu mm) to 4.2 X 10(2)/cu mm (range from 3.0 X 10(3) to 7.9 X 10(3) cu/mm). Parallel reduction occurred in serum B12, from a mean of 1,435 pg/ml to a mean of 726 pg/ml, and lactate dehydrogenase levels, from a mean of 325 mU/ml to 112 mU/ml. Enlarged spleens decreased in 3 of 3 patients. The 5 responding patients have been maintained on HuIFN-alpha, 3 X 10(6) U daily or every other day, for 6+-35+ wk.

Clinical uses of interferons

“…Even before recombinant interferons were available, remissions were reported with partially purified IFN‐α in patients with hairy‐cell leukaemia [36], usually a slowly progressive, rare form of B‐cell leukaemia. Some success was also reported with treatment of chronic myelogenous leukaemia, a more common B‐cell form of the disease [37]. In both of these forms of leukaemia, however, more effective forms of therapy have been devised through our rapidly developing understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the genesis and progression of some forms of cancer, so that interferons are no longer employed as first‐line therapies in the treatment of these leukaemias [38].…”

Multiple Myeloma Complicated by Congestive Heart Failure Following First Administration of Recombinant .ALPHA.-Interferon.

“…Interferon (IFN), primarily found as an anti-viral agent, has also been demonstrated to have anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo (1)(2)(3)(4). Therapeutical effects of IFN on renal cell carcinoma, multiple myeloma, hairy-cell leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have been documented (5)(6)(7)(8)(9). Adverse reactions to IFN include fever, which frequently appears, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, leukocy topenia, and thrombocytopenia (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15).…”

Emergence of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia Following High Dose Interferon .PDRV. Treatment in a Case of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.

“…Hematologically, interferon d has been successfully used as an anticancer drug in the treatment of multiple myeloma, hairy cell leukemia, cutaneous T cell lymphoma and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). For CML,interferon d has been shown to induce hematological remission with suppression of Ph1-positive clones as originally reported by Talpaz et al (1). Flu-like symptoms and myelosuppression were well-known adverse events; however the interaction with lung tissue was underestimated.…”