Alpha interferon for induction of remission in hairy-cell leukemia.

Abstract

We treated seven patients who had progressive hairy-cell leukemia with daily doses of 3 million units of partially pure alpha (leukocyte) interferon by the intramuscular route. Three patients had a complete remission, and four had a partial remission, according to strict criteria for a response. After treatment, bone-marrow aspirates showed an absence of leukemia cells in three patients and 5 per cent or fewer in three others. Normalization of subnormal peripheral-blood values occurred in six of six patients with anemia, in seven of seven with granulocytopenia, and in four of four with thrombocytopenia. Remissions have been maintained for over 6 to over 10 months. Alpha interferon appears to be highly effective in patients with hairy-cell leukemia.

• Authors: J R Quesada, J Reuben, J T Manning, E M Hersh, J U Gutterman
• Journal: The New England journal of medicine (N Engl J Med) Vol. 310 Issue 1 Pg. 15-8 (Jan 05 1984) ISSN: 0028-4793 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6689734 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Interferon Type I

Topics

• Adult
• Blood Cell Count
• Bone Marrow (pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Infections (complications)
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Interferon Type I (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Leukemia, Hairy Cell (blood, pathology, therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged