A pilot study of alpha-interferon and plicamycin for accelerated phase of chronic myeloid leukemia

Thirteen patients with accelerated phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-AC) were treated with intravenous plicamycin and subcutaneous alpha-interferon. Two patients stabilized, three patients had partial hematologic responses and one patient had a hematologic complete response with a major cytogenetic response. Two patients, progressing on hydroxyurea, did not respond, but demonstrated re-sensitization to hydroxyurea after completion of induction therapy and had prolonged return to chronic phase for 30 months and 25 months. Four non-responders subsequently received additional chemotherapy and responded. Median survival of all study patients from the development of accelerated phase of CML was 24 months: substantially longer than other reported series (median 6 months). Plicamycin appears to add efficacy to interferon in the stabilization of accelerated phase of CML.