[Use of interferon in the treatment of chronic myeloproliferative disorders].

Clinical trials have shown that interferon (IFN) have myelosuppressive effects that can help reduce the uncontrolled clonal growth of hematopoietic cells in myeloproliferative disease. There are at least four diseases that are considered to be myeloproliferative disorders: chronic myelogenous leukemia, myelofibrosis polycythemia vera and idiopathic thrombocythemia. Recombinant IFN alpha has shown promise in inducing haematological and cytogenetic remission in some patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. The exact role of IFN in prolonging the life of CML patients, however, remains to be determined in larger studies of longer duration. Preliminary evidence suggests that in myelofibrosis it may be more efficacious in the cellular than in fibrotic or osteosclerotic phase. IFN alpha has been reported to be of value in controlling excess platelet production in chronic myelogenous leukemia and idiopathic thrombocythemia as well as in reducing of red cell mas in polycythemia vera.