Interferon-α_2a in the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Results of the Spanish Group on Interferon-α_2a in CML

Abstract

Interferon-α (IFN-α) has shown very interesting effects in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It is the only agent able to induce mosaicism or even the complete disappearance of the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph¹) in a controlled way. The efficacy of this treatment was confirmed in 1983 for the first time, as Talpaz et al. [1] published findings on the beneficial effects of human. leukocyte IFN on CML. Later, on the basis of experience in 51 patients, they reported that: (a) 71% achieved a complete hematological remission (CHR); (b) some cytogenetic response was induced in 39% of patients; (c) actuarial survival was better than in a historical control and the incidence of blast crisis less; and (d) response to IFN-α_2a had a predictive value for survival [2]. Recently these results, which have been sustained by other groups, were updated by Talpaz et al. [3]: they reported on 96 patients with overall survival of 62 months and a complete suppression of Ph¹ in 11 cases between 6 and more than 45 months.