The impact of interferon versus busulfan therapy on the reticulin stain-measured fibrosis in CML--a comparative morphometric study on sequential trephine biopsies

To evaluate treatment-related changes of the reticulin stain-measured fibrosis in Ph(1+)-CML, a clinicopathological study was performed on sequential trephine biopsies of the bone marrow following either interferon (IFN) or busulfan (BU) monotherapy. Using the monoclonal antibody CD61 for the identification of megakaryopoiesis and Gomori's silver impregnation method, number of megakaryocytes and density of argyrophilic (reticulin and collagen) fibers were determined by morphometry. We studied specimens from 26 patients with IFN-alpha 2b (including nine patients with additional IFN gamma) therapy and from 23 patients who had received BU. In both groups, repeated bone marrow biopsies (total 125) revealed a significant increase in the fiber content, as well as in the number of megakaryocytes during treatment. To assess the dynamics of myelofibrosis more precisely, computation of differences in the degree of fiber density between the first and last examination was carried out. Regarding the considerable variations in the biopsy intervals, a so-called myelofibrosis progression index (MPI) was calculated. Following this rationale, we were able to demonstrate that, in comparison to the BU-group, speed of progression of bone marrow fibrosis was significantly increased in CML patients treated with IFN. Preliminary statistical analysis indicated a relationship between myelofibrosis on admission, which was always associated with increased growth of megakaryocytes, and the MPI with survival. Even when these parameters were regarded, prognosis was significantly more favorable in the IFN-treated patients. The failure of IFN and BU to inhibit the evolution of myelofibrosis may be related to several conversely acting pathomechanisms. Among others, the inability of both therapeutic agents to reduce the number of megakaryocytes more effectively should be taken into consideration.