Durability of responses to interferon alfa-2b in advanced XXXX .

@entity1 @entity5734 @entity137
Previous studies have demonstrated that significant hematologic improvement occurs in the majority of @entity1 with @entity5734 ( @entity5734 ) treated with partially purified or recombinant interferon (IFN). Fifty-three @entity1 received IFN alfa-2b for at least 3 months in a dose of 2 X 10(6) U/m2 subcutaneously thrice weekly. Of the 49 @entity1 evaluable for response (at least 6 months of IFN therapy), there were ten complete responses and 29 partial responses for a total response rate of 80%. The peripheral blood counts and bone marrow continued to improve over the course of a full year of therapy. IFN was well tolerated, with no @entity1 discontinuing therapy because of @entity137 . Transient myelosuppression occurred in most @entity1 during the first 1 to 2 months of therapy, occasionally precipitating a transfusion requirement. After IFN treatment was discontinued, there was a marked decrease in normal marrow elements and a relative increase in marrow hairy cells. This was associated with a transient increase in normal elements in the peripheral blood. Only one of 24 @entity1 followed after receiving IFN for a median of 8.5 months (range, 3 to 16 months) has required further therapy. We conclude that low-dose IFN alfa-2b is highly effective in advanced @entity5734 ; responding @entity1 should be treated for at least 1 year. The decision to initiate a second course of IFN therapy should be based primarily on peripheral blood counts and the clinical status of the @entity1 rather than on the bone marrow.
