[Interferon-alpha in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma]

There exists a variety of treatment modalities for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) which are used according to localization and extension of the disease. Additionally, in the last years it has been demonstrated by several groups that interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy dependent on stage of the disease results in response rates of 40 to 50%. We could demonstrate that the combination of low dose IFN with retinoids is able to induce long term remissions with low incidence of side effects. Other combinations of IFN-alpha with standard therapies and/or experimental therapies (Pentostatin) seem to contribute-according to preliminary data-to an improvement of remission rates in CTCL.