Low-dose "natural" alpha-interferon in B-cell derived chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Background: Alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) was found to have a good antiproliferative effect in early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but recombinant alpha-IFN administration may induce serious side effects. Therefore low-dose "natural" IFN was evaluated in terms of efficacy and safety.

Methods: Fifteen patients affected by stage A (according to Binet) B-CLL underwent the treatment: natural IFN 1 MU three times a week for 6 months.

Results: Overall lymphocyte count decreased from 13,050 +/- 3,200 to 7,500 +/- 2,940 within 6 months. One patient did not respond to IFN therapy. No one complained of side effects.

Conclusion: Low dose "natural" alpha-IFN seems useful and well tolerated in CLL, but the potential curative role of IFN in CLL remains to be established.