Vnitr Lek 2019, 65(11):699-703 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2019.121

Interferon-alpha in the treatment of myeloproliferative diseases

Jarmila Kissová^1,2

¹ Oddělení klinické hematologie FN Brno, pracoviště Bohunice

² LF MU, Brno

Despite significant progress, the treatment options for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are still limited. Interferon α (IFNα) has been recognized as a substance for the treatment of MPN for more than 30 years, but its widespread use has been limited by higher frequency of short-term adverse reactions compared to conventional treatment and until recently, by its off-label indication in BCR/ABL negative MPNs. With the development of pegylated forms of IFNα with a more favorable toxicity and pharmacokinetic profile have renewed interest in the use of IFNα in the treatment of MPN. Recent studies confirm that IFNα is important drug capable of reducing the tumor population in MPN. Thus, IFNα is currently a more frequently considered drug in the treatment of MPN and has adopted into of some expert recommendations as a first-line drug for younger patients with various subtypes of MPN.

Keywords: essential thrombocythemia; interferon α; myeloproliferative neoplasm; pegylated interferon α; polycythemia vera; primary myelofibrosis

Received: September 4, 2019; Accepted: October 7, 2019; Published: November 1, 2019  Show citation