Alpha-2b interferon in the treatment of advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia

In four patients treated for progressive B-CLL, stage C, with alpha-2b interferon a detailed analysis of the distribution of surface molecules characterizing both the leukemic and the residual populations of peripheral blood lymphocytes as evaluated by flow cytometry did not reveal any significant changes during and after the interferon therapy. With the dosage of 3 x 10(6) IU of interferon injected subcutaneously three times per week, no effect on progression of the disease was detected. The treatment was well tolerated, thrombocytopenia was the only side-effect observed.