Treatment of multiple myeloma with recombinant alpha-interferon
JR Quesada, R Alexanian, M Hawkins, B Barlogie, E Borden, L Itri and JU Gutterman
Thirty-two patients with multiple myeloma were treated with recombinant
alpha-interferon clone A (rIFN alpha A) daily by intramuscular injection
with an initial dose of 12 X 10(6) U/m2. Of 27 patients evaluable for
response, tumor responses were obtained in seven of 14 previously untreated
patients (50%) and two of 13 who had relapsed or failed prior chemotherapy
(15%). In all patients who had tumor response, there was restoration from
subnormal levels of serum immunoglobulins, an effect infrequently observed
with chemotherapy. The median duration of tumor responses exceeded 14
months (range, 6 to 20). Moderate-to-severe fatigue was the predominant
side effect and necessitated dose reductions in all patients. We conclude
that treatment of early stages of multiple myeloma with rIFN alpha A is
beneficial because of the substantial response rate and the improvement in
the synthesis of serum immunoglobulins. rIFN alpha A has a potential role
in combination with other agents in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Volume 67,
Issue 2,
pp. 275-278,
02/01/1986
Copyright © 1986 by The American Society of Hematology
