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Published on: September 19, 2013
Hairy cell leukemia--results with alpha interferon therapy
S Pai1, S C Shinde, T K Saikia
1Dept. of Medical Oncology, Tata-Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.
Insights
Recombinant interferon alpha 2a offers long-term remission for hairy cell leukemia (HCL) patients in India. This study shows an 88.9% response rate and 83% disease-free survival, with cost being a consideration.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder with evolving treatment landscapes.
- Optimal HCL treatment remains debated despite available options.
- Recombinant interferon is the primary first-line treatment in India due to availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of interferon alpha 2a in achieving long-term remissions in HCL patients.
- To report the experience of treating HCL with interferon alpha 2a in an Indian setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 35 HCL cases.
- Treatment of 19 cases with interferon alpha 2a.
- Dosage: 3 million units subcutaneously daily for at least 6 months.
- Evaluation of overall response and disease-free survival.
Main Results:
- Overall response rate of 88.9% in 18 evaluable cases.
- Disease-free survival of 83% with a median follow-up of 31 months.
- Long-term remissions were observed.
Conclusions:
- Interferon alpha 2a can achieve good long-term remission in HCL.
- The recommended dosage is 3 million units daily for a minimum of 6 months.
- Treatment cost remains a significant barrier.
Abstract:
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. Although now multiple treatment options are being available, the optimal treatment of this disease still remains debatable. Inspite of the advent of newer purine analogues, in India recombinant interferon is the only freely available first line treatment. We report our experience of long term remissions in HCL with interferon alpha 2a. Of a total of 35 cases of HCL we were able to treat 19 cases with interferon. Of 18 evaluable cases an overall response of 88.9% was achieved. With a median follow up of 31 months a disease free survival was 83%. Thus with a dose of 3 million units s.c. daily for 6 months at least, we feel that a reasonably good long term remission can be obtained. The cost of the treatment however, is still a deterrent.
