Ineffectiveness of interferon-[gamma] in the treatment of idiopathic myelofibrosis: a pilot study

• Published in: Annals of hematology Vol. 80; no. 2; p. 79
• Main Authors: Heis-vahidi-fard, N, berg, E, Eichinger, S, Chott, A, Lechner, K, Gisslinger, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer Nature B.V 01-02-2001
• ISSN: 0939-5555; 1432-0584
• DOI: 10.1007/s002770000231

It has been proposed that interferon-γ (IFN) inhibits collagen synthesis in myeloproliferative disorders through an inhibitory effect on PDGF and TGF-β. We therefore evaluated the role of IFN-γ on bone marrow fibrosis in idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF). After a 3-month observation period, nine patients (five female, four male), median age 64years (range 43-72years), received 3×3mU IFN-γ/week over 6months and were monitored after withdrawal of IFN-γ for further 3months. Three out of nine patients have completed the study according to the protocol. Six patients had to be withdrawn from IFN-γ due to the following reasons: bacterial infection (three patients), splenic infarction or deterioration of splenomegaly (one patient, each) and refusal to continue IFN-γ (one patient). Results from seven patients treated for at least 8weeks were considered measurable. Leukopenia, initially present in one of the evaluated patients, deteriorated during IFN-γ treatment. This patient died during the observation period shortly after withdrawal of the therapy as a result of septicemia. Transfusion-dependent anemia, initially observed in two of the evaluated patients, deteriorated during the IFN-γ treatment. Bone marrow fibrosis increased in three patients, whereas it remained unchanged in another and improved in a further patient. Splenomegaly improved in two patients but deteriorated markedly in one. Taking these observations together, four patients had disease progression during IFN-γ treatment, two had stable disease and one could be qualified as a partial responder. According to these data IFN-γ cannot be considered as a treatment option for patients with IMF.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]