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Published on: March 24, 2015
Low-dose "natural" alpha-interferon in B-cell derived chronic lymphocytic leukemia
G Pozzato1, F Franzin, M Moretti
1Istituto di Patologia Medica, Facoltà di Medicina, Università di Trieste, Italy.
Background:
Alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) was found to have a good antiproliferative effect in early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but recombinant alpha-IFN administration may induce serious side effects. Therefore low-dose "natural" IFN was evaluated in terms of efficacy and safety.
Methods:
Fifteen patients affected by stage A (according to Binet) B-CLL underwent the treatment: natural IFN 1 MU three times a week for 6 months.
Results:
Overall lymphocyte count decreased from 13,050 +/- 3,200 to 7,500 +/- 2,940 within 6 months. One patient did not respond to IFN therapy. No one complained of side effects.
Conclusion:
Low dose "natural" alpha-IFN seems useful and well tolerated in CLL, but the potential curative role of IFN in CLL remains to be established.
