The current status of interferon alpha in haemic malignancy.

Interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) has been extensively studied, both in clinical trials and in the laboratory. The cytokine has proved most effective in haemic malignancy, in particular hairy cell and chronic granulocytic leukaemia. This article deals with the current status of IFN alpha in these conditions and the possible basis of this sensitivity. Other less responsive haemic malignancies are also discussed.