The use of interferon-alpha 2a as monotherapy in stage IB patients with mycosis fungoides: A retrospective chart review of patient outcomes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to IFN-alpha 2a treatment as monotherapy in stage IB patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) in second-line therapy. Twenty-five patients with recurrent or persistent MF were included in the study. The diagnosis of MF was established according to clinical and histopathological signs. Clinical staging was made using TNMB classification. IFN-alpha 2a as monotherapy was used as treatment. IFN-alpha 2a was administered at a dose of 3 x 10(6) units thrice a week subcutaneously as initially described. According to clinical tolerance, the dose was increased every 4 weeks to 6 - 9 x 10(6) units. IFN-alpha 2a was used more frequently for at least 3 months after complete remission. Treatment success was evaluated with Clinical Response (disappearance of all clinical evidence = Complete Remission [CR], >= 50% decrease in extent or severity = Partial Remission [PR], unresponsiveness to treatment = Stable Disease [SD], progression of MF = Progressive Disease [PD]). The average age was 51.3 +/- 9.1. CR and PR were achieved in 11 (44%) and 12 (48%) patients, respectively. PD was observed in two (8%) patients. CR was accomplished at 16.1 +/- 9.8 weeks. Recurrences were mostly observed within 1 year (10.4 +/- 7.7 months). The recurrence rate was 45.4%. The mean duration of CR was 33.3 +/- 7.9 months. Side effects were seen in 36% of the patients (18.2% in CR). The most common side effect was fatigue (12%). The patients received 11 different types of treatment before IFN-alpha 2a treatment. The most frequent therapy prior to IFN-alpha 2a treatment was narrow-band ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) phototherapy (15 [60%] patients). CR can be achieved in a relatively short period of time in patients receiving IFN-alpha 2a in MF. The duration of CR is reasonable. The side effects of IFN-alpha 2a are acceptable. Therefore, IFN-alpha 2a as monotherapy is a good option in stage IB second-line MF therapy.