Interferon-alpha for induction and maintenance in multiple myeloma: Results of two multicenter randomized trials and summary of other studies

Abstract

Background: Interferon (IFN) treatment trials in multiple myeloma have yielded discordant results regarding response rates, maintenance duration, and survival times. Further randomized trials and global evaluations of available data are urgently needed for clarification. Patients and methods: 256 patients participated in a randomized trial, 125 on IFN + VMCP, and 131 on VMCP alone. 100 patients were randomized to IFN maintenance (n – 46) or were untreated controls (n – 54). Global evaluations are based on 1,518 patients in induction and 924 in maintenance trials. Results: The induction trial demonstrated a significantly (pConclusions: Presently available data support the use of IFN maintenance treatment because it significantly prolongs maintenance duration and survival. IFN added to induction chemotherapy resulted in minor improvements at the expense of increased toxicity, highlighting the need for better induction regimens.