FOLLOW-UP OBSERVATIONS ON THE EFFECT OF HUMAN-LEUKOCYTE INTERFERON IN NON-HODGKINS LYMPHOMA

Abstract

Follow-up data for 11 patients with non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma treated with partially purified human leukocyte interferon is presented. The interferon preparation used was 0.1% pure and treatment consisted of 5 .times. 106 U given i.m. twice daily for 60 injections. One complete, 3 partial and 3 minimal responses were observed in 5 of 7 evaluable patients with nodular non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma. Duration of response appears to be from 6-12 mo. One patient achieved a 2nd partial response on retreatment with interferon in spite of having received chemotherapy in the interval between interferon treatments. No responses were seen in 3 patients with rapidly progressive diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. Dose-limiting toxicity is leukopenia, which necessitated modification or cessation of treatment in 3 patients. Nonhematologic toxicities consisted of fever, malaise, arthralgia and loss of appetite. Interferon has activity against non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma. Prior treatment with chemotherapy evidently does not preclude a response to interferon.