Abstract | BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with high-risk essential thrombocythemia (median age 54 years; range, 24-72 years) were studied. The dose of pegylated interferon was initially 50 mg per week and could be escalated up to 150 mg per week. RESULTS: During the first three months platelet counts decreased significantly from a median baseline count of 895x10(9)/L (range: 383-1779) to a median count of 485x10(9)/L (range: 211-1283; p<=0.001). A complete response was defined as platelet counts < 450x10(9)/L. The complete response rate was 39%, 47%, 58% and 67% at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of treatment, respectively. There were 25%, 11%, 8% and 0% poor responders, defined as patients with platelet counts > 600x10(9)/L, at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of treatment, respectively. After a median time of 23 months (range 3-39 months) 23 of 36 patients (64%) are still receiving pegylated interferon. In ten patients (28%) treatment was stopped due to grade 1 to 2 toxicity, classified according to the WHO standard toxicity scale. One patient, who responded partially to pegylated interferon (platelet count 542x10(9)/L), had a cerebral stroke after 23 months of treatment. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Christian Langer, Eva Lengfelder, Jürgen Thiele, Hans M Kvasnicka, Heike L Pahl, Heimo Beneke, Stefanie Schauer, Heinz Gisslinger, Martin Griesshammer |
Journal | Haematologica
(Haematologica)
Vol. 90
Issue 10
Pg. 1333-8
(Oct 2005)
ISSN: 1592-8721 [Electronic] Italy |
PMID | 16219569
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase II, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Interferon alpha-2
- Interferon-alpha
- Recombinant Proteins
- Polyethylene Glycols
- peginterferon alfa-2a
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
- Female
- Humans
- Interferon alpha-2
- Interferon-alpha
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Platelet Count
- Polyethylene Glycols
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Recombinant Proteins
- Risk Factors
- Thrombocythemia, Essential
(blood, drug therapy)
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