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High doses of natural α‐interferon (α‐IFN) in the treatment of multiple myeloma — A pilot study from the Myeloma Group of Central Sweden (MGCS)
Author(s) -
Åhre A.,
Björkholm M.,
Österborg A.,
Brenning G.,
Gahrton G.,
Gyllenhammar H.,
Holm G.,
Johansson B.,
Juliusson G.,
Järnmark M.,
Killander A.,
Lerner R.,
Lockner D.,
Nilsson B.,
Simonsson B.,
Stalfelt AM.,
Strander H.,
Svedmyr B.,
Svedmyr E.,
Udén AM.,
Wadman B.,
Wedelin C.,
Mellstedt H.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1988.tb00881.x
Subject(s) - multiple myeloma , medicine , alpha interferon , toxicity , adverse effect , interferon alfa , gastroenterology , alpha (finance) , creatinine , chemotherapy , interferon , immunology , surgery , construct validity , patient satisfaction
α‐interferon (α‐IFN) is a biological response modifier with a dose‐dependent activity. The present study on the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with high doses of natural α‐IFN was designed to meet this dose‐dependent concept. 50 previously untreated patients with IgA and BJ myelomas and a s‐Creatinine ≤ 200 μmol/l entered the study. Various treatment schedules were tested. The initial plan was to give the patients 30 × 10 6 U α‐IFN daily. This dosage, however, gave unacceptable toxicity. Step‐by‐step decreasing dose schedules were given to the patients, 10 × 10 6 U of α‐IFN daily for 7 consecutive d repeated every 3rd week was found to be the maximal tolerable dose that could be given to most patients. 36% (95% confidence levels: 22%‐50%) of the patients responded: 41% of the IgA myelomas and 23% of BJ myelomas. Median time to response was 1.5 months and median response duration was 20 months. Impaired general condition and central nervous system and gastrointestinal‐related toxicity were the main adverse reactions. Hematological side‐effects were mild.