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Recombinant interferon gamma in hairy cell leukemia, multiple myeloma, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia
J R Quesada1, R Alexanian, R Kurzrock
1Department of Clinical Immunology and Biological Therapy, M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Houston.
Abstract:
Fifteen patients with multiple myeloma, five with hairy cell leukemia, and five with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia were treated with recombinant interferon gamma (rINF-gamma) to determine the antitumor activity of this agent. The rIFN-gamma was administered by daily intramuscular injection at doses ranging from 0.125 to 0.5 mg/m2. No responses were observed in patients with multiple myeloma, although in one patient the disease has remained stable for over 16 months. Minimal improvement in some hematologic indexes were observed in three of five patients with hairy cell leukemia. One partial remission and one minor response were documented in two of the five patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. In five patients, an increase in normal serum immunoglobulins was observed. These results suggest that there is only minimal activity of rIFN-gamma as a single agent in neoplasms of B-cell origin.
Insights
Recombinant interferon gamma (rIFN-gamma) showed minimal antitumor activity in B-cell origin neoplasms. The study found limited efficacy in multiple myeloma, hairy cell leukemia, and Waldenstrom
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma, hairy cell leukemia, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia are B-cell origin neoplasms.
- Recombinant interferon gamma (rIFN-gamma) is an immunomodulatory agent with potential antitumor properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antitumor activity of rIFN-gamma in patients with multiple myeloma, hairy cell leukemia, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
- To determine the efficacy of rIFN-gamma as a single agent in these B-cell malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen patients with multiple myeloma, five with hairy cell leukemia, and five with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia were treated.
- rIFN-gamma was administered via daily intramuscular injection at doses from 0.125 to 0.5 mg/m2.
Main Results:
- No responses were observed in multiple myeloma patients; one patient had stable disease for over 16 months.
- Minimal hematologic improvement was seen in three of five hairy cell leukemia patients.
- One partial remission and one minor response were noted in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia patients. Increased normal serum immunoglobulins were observed in five patients.
Conclusions:
- rIFN-gamma demonstrates minimal activity as a single agent in B-cell origin neoplasms.
- Further research may be needed to explore combination therapies or alternative treatment strategies.