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CHOP-Bleo plus interferon for stage IV low-grade lymphoma
P McLaughlin1, F Cabanillas, F B Hagemeister
1Department of Hematology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.
Summary
Integrating alpha interferon (IFN) with chemotherapy significantly improved remission duration for advanced low-grade lymphoma patients. Maintenance IFN therapy is effective and feasible, offering prolonged failure-free survival for those in complete remission.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alpha interferon (IFN) shows efficacy in low-grade lymphoma but integration with chemotherapy was limited before 1982.
- Relapse is common in advanced low-grade lymphoma, necessitating strategies to prolong remission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a maintenance schedule of alpha interferon (IFN) in patients achieving complete remission (CR).
Main Methods:
- 127 patients with stage IV low-grade lymphoma received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and bleomycin (CHOP-Bleo) chemotherapy.
- Patients in CR received 24 months of interferon alfa-n-1 (Wellferon) maintenance therapy.
Main Results:
- The overall response rate was 73% CR and 23% partial remission.
- At 5 years, overall survival was 74%, failure-free survival (FFS) was 47%, and FFS of CRs was 60%.
- This regimen showed significant improvement in FFS compared to historical controls treated with CHOP-Bleo alone.
Conclusions:
- Combining IFN with conventional chemotherapy is feasible and effective for low-grade lymphoma.
- Maintenance IFN therapy significantly prolongs remission duration in patients with stage IV low-grade lymphoma.