Abstract
The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of alpha-interferon (α-IFN) regimens in late chronic phase (diagnosis >12 months) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CP-CML). Long-term follow-up results were evaluated in 137 patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive late CP-CML. The α-IFN programs were sequential studies with human leukocyte α-IFN (seven patients), recombinant α-IFN alone (15 patients) or with IFN-γ (29 patients), hydroxyurea (HU) (19 patients), or low-dose cytarabine (Ara-C) (67 patients). Overall, 57% of the patients achieved complete hematological response (CHR), and 7% obtained partial hematological response. Nineteen patients (15% of the 123 evaluable patients) had a cytogenetic response which was major (Ph-positive <35%) in 10 patients (8%). a trend for better responses was observed with shorter disease duration. the median overall survival from start of therapy was 49 months, with an estimated 5-year survival rate of 41%. some common pretreatment prognostic factors associated with response did not show statistical associations when applied in late cp-cml; however, characteristics such as smaller spleen size, and lower percentages of peripheral blood and marrow blasts and basophils were associated with better survival experience. when patients were subgrouped according to risk, no significant differences in the incidence of cytogenetic response and in survival outcomes were observed among various risk groups. this study confirms that α-ifn-based regimens have a modest activity in late cp-cml, and supports the need to develop investigational strategies aimed at improving patient prognosis in this phase.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 print issues and online access
$259.00 per year
only $21.58 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sacchi, S., Kantarjian, H., O’Brien, S. et al. Long-term follow-up results of alpha-interferon-based regimens in patients with late chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia. Leukemia 11, 1610–1616 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.leu.2400791
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.leu.2400791
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
Chronic myeloid leukemia: Pathophysiology, diagnostic parameters, and current treatment concepts
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift (2003)