Response to alpha-interferon in children with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelocytic leukemia

Article Abstract:

Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelocytic leukemia occurs in both adults and children; it accounts for about two to three percent of childhood leukemias. The condition is marked by the presence of unusual chromosomes in which a piece of chromosome 9 has stuck to chromosome 22 and vice versa. (This occurrence is referred to as a translocation in the lexicon of geneticists.) This form of leukemia often has a long chronic phase which then yields to rapid progression; this form of leukemia appears to be particularly aggressive and unusually resistant to chemotherapeutic treatment. Cell growth of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelocytic leukemia (Ph+ CML) has been arrested in some adult patients using the substance alpha-interferon, which also inhibits the growth of some normal bone marrow cells. A study was conducted to determine if alpha-interferon is effective in suppressing the growth of these leukemic cells in children as well. Fifteen children with Ph+ CML, all of whom had been treated with standard chemotherapeutic drugs, were treated with regular intramuscular injections of alpha-interferon. Side effects were common, and included fever for most patients. Lethargy was also a common side effect. Seizures occurred in two patients and, in one patient, necessitated the termination of treatment. In seven patients, treatment with interferon was discontinued because of either lack of effectiveness or disease progression. Four patients, however, responded well, and examination of the bone marrow of these patients revealed no indications of the Philadelphia chromosome. Two of these patients continue to remain free of signs of the Philadelphia chromosome. These results indicate that further studies of alpha-interferon treatment are warranted in children with Ph+ CML. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Philadelphia chromosome, Immunotherapy, Childhood leukemia, Leukemia in children, Myeloid leukemia, Philadelphia-positive, Philadelphia-positive myeloid leukemia

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A prospective trial of recombinant human interferon alpha 2B in previously untreated patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Article Abstract:

A great deal of interest has been generated by the prospect of using immune modulators in the treatment of cancer. These substances stimulate some facet of the immune response, and it is hoped that these actions might be used to mobilize the body's natural defenses against cancer. Interferon alpha 2B is one such immune modulator; researchers have evaluated its action against hepatocellular carcinoma. This form of liver cancer, although not common in white societies, is a major killer in Africa and Asia. In most undeveloped countries, hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the top three causes of cancer death. Four women and 24 men with hepatocellular carcinoma were treated with interferon alpha 2B three times a week. These patients had cancer which was not amenable to surgical treatment. The patients were also predominantly white, and it is not known whether this may have affected the outcome of treatment. The interferon dosage started at five million international units per meter squared of body surface; the dose was escalated if toxic side effects did not develop. Of the 28 patients, signs of a response occurred in only two patients. These two patients died two and seven months after starting the trial. Twenty-six of the patients have died; the median survival period in this study was 22 weeks. There is no indication, therefore, that interferon alpha 2B has any effect on hepatocellular carcinoma. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Immune response, Liver cancer, Immune response regulation

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A Phase II study of the combination of carboplatin and ifosfamide in previously untreated metastatic small cell lung cancer

Article Abstract:

Carboplatin is a close relative of the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin, but it lacks some of the toxic effects of cisplatin. Both carboplatin and another agent, ifosfamide, have been shown to be active against small cell lung cancer. A study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the combined use of carboplatin and ifosfamide in the treatment of advanced small cell lung cancer. A total of 30 patients were included in the study; none had been previously treated and all had metastatic cancer, which had spread to at least one other part of the body. In 18 cases, the cancer had spread to at least two other parts of the body. Generally, the prognosis for metastatic small cell lung cancer is dismal. In the present series of patients, one patient achieved a complete response and 18 others achieved partial responses. However, the midpoint survival time of the patients was only eight months. An important finding was that 4 of 11 patients who did not respond to the combination of carboplatin and ifosfamide responded when subsequently treated with doxorubicin and etoposide, either with or without cisplatin. These four cases indicate that there is no cross-resistance between the two different chemotherapeutic regimens. Therefore, effective treatments might consist of alternating two different treatment protocols. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Physiological aspects, Chemotherapy, Lung cancer, Chemotherapy, Combination, Combination chemotherapy, Carboplatin, Ifosfamide

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