Effectiveness of interferon alfa-2a combined with phototherapy for mycosis fungoides and the Sézary syndrome.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To investigate the efficacy of combined topical therapy and systemic interferon alfa-2a in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and the Sézary syndrome (SS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Between December 1987 and April 1993, 39 patients with all stages of MF and SS were treated with combined phototherapy and systemic interferon alfa-2a as part of two institutional studies. The initial phase I study of 15 patients established the maximum-tolerated dose of interferon and has been previously reported. Subsequently, 24 patients have been entered onto a phase II trial. Long-term follow-up data are provided for both studies.

RESULTS:

The median follow-up duration for the entire cohort is 28 months. Patients with all stages of disease were enrolled (stage IB, n = 14; IIA, n = 5; IIB, n = 6; III, n = 8; IVA, n = 5; IVB, n = 1). Thirty-four patients had received previous therapy. Overall, 36 of 39 patients achieved a complete response (CR; 62%) or partial response (28%) to therapy. The median response duration is 28 months (range, 1 to 64). Twenty-nine of 39 patients are alive, with a median survival duration of 62 months (range, 1 to 66).

CONCLUSION:

Interferon alfa-2a combined with phototherapy is an effective, safe, durable therapy for MF and SS.

• Authors: T M Kuzel, H H Roenigk Jr, E Samuelson, J J Herrmann, A Hurria, A W Rademaker, S T Rosen
• Journal: Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (J Clin Oncol) Vol. 13 Issue 1 Pg. 257-63 (Jan 1995) ISSN: 0732-183X [Print] United States
• PMID: 7799028 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase I, Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha
• Recombinant Proteins

Topics

• Combined Modality Therapy
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Mycosis Fungoides (mortality, therapy)
• PUVA Therapy
• Recombinant Proteins
• Sezary Syndrome (mortality, therapy)
• Skin Neoplasms (mortality, therapy)
• Survival Analysis