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The current role of interferon in hairy cell leukaemia: clinical and molecular aspects
Giovanni M Assanto1, Costantino Riemma1,2, Francesco Malaspina1
1Haematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Interferon-alpha (IFNα) shows effectiveness in treating hairy cell leukaemia (HCL), with 94% of patients responding. This treatment remains a viable option for select HCL patients, particularly those achieving minimal residual disease negativity.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) is a rare B-cell malignancy.
- Interferon-alpha (IFNα) has been a treatment option for HCL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current role and effectiveness of interferon-alpha (IFNα) in hairy cell leukaemia (HCL).
- To assess treatment outcomes in specific HCL patient subgroups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 74 HCL patients.
- Patients categorized into three groups: elderly (>65 years), those with comorbidities, and purine analogue-resistant cases.
- Monitoring of BRAF-V600E mutation status in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- Overall response rate of 94% with 24% complete response.
- 78% of patients remained in response at a median follow-up of 60 months.
- 5-year progression-free survival rates were 95% (elderly), 68% (comorbidities), and 96% (purine analogue-resistant).
Conclusions:
- Interferon-alpha (IFNα) demonstrates significant efficacy in HCL treatment across different patient groups.
- IFNα is a valuable therapeutic option for select HCL patients, especially when minimal residual disease negativity is achieved.
- Long-term response and progression-free survival are notable with IFNα therapy in HCL.
Abstract:
We investigated the current role of interferon-alpha (IFNα) in hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) in a retrospective analysis of patients with HCL. A cohort of 74 patients with HCL was divided in to three groups: (A) patients aged >65 years with first-line treatment; (B) patients with comorbidities with first-line treatment; (C) patients who were purine analogues resistant. In total, 94% achieved a response, with a complete response rate of 24%. After a median (range) follow-up of 60 (7-236) months, 55 patients (78%) are still responding. The 5-year progression-free survival was 95%, 68%, and 96% in groups A, B and C respectively. A proportion of patients were monitored through their B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF)-V600E status. IFNα remains a possible option in select patients with HCL, where minimal residual disease negativity is achievable.
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