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Recombinant alpha-interferon as salvage therapy in multiple myeloma. A pilot study
P Jacobs1, I M Le Roux, L Wood
1University of Cape Town Leukaemia Centre, Groote Schuur Hospital.
Summary
Recombinant alpha-interferon showed no value as salvage therapy for refractory multiple myeloma. The pilot study found a low response rate and significant side-effects, leading to its discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy.
- Patients with end-stage disease often become refractory to standard treatments.
- Salvage therapy options are limited for refractory multiple myeloma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant alpha-interferon as a salvage therapy for patients with end-stage multiple myeloma.
- To determine if single-agent recombinant alpha-interferon can provide a clinical benefit in refractory myeloma.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study was conducted on ten patients with refractory multiple myeloma.
- Patients received recombinant alpha-interferon as salvage treatment.
- Treatment duration was a median of 8 weeks.
Main Results:
- Only one patient (10%) showed an objective response, surviving 8 months.
- Nine patients (90%) experienced disease progression, with a median survival of 11.5 weeks.
- Significant side-effects, including confusion and weakness, led 50% of patients to discontinue therapy.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant alpha-interferon as a single agent has no value in the salvage treatment of refractory multiple myeloma.
- The low response rate and substantial toxicity preclude its use in this patient population.
- The pilot study was discontinued due to lack of efficacy and significant morbidity.