Pegylated Interferon for Essential Thrombocythemia and Polycythemia Vera

High overall response rates were noted in high-risk patients with prior hydroxyurea resistance or intolerance.

Demonstration of hematological and molecular responses in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV) treated with pegylated interferon-α (peg-IFN) has renewed enthusiasm for this agent. Despite improved tolerability, compared with recombinant interferon-α, adverse events are still a concern with peg-IFN. Also, peg-IFN may be more effective in younger, newly diagnosed, and minimally treated or treatment-naive patients.

Now, investigators have conducted a prospective, international, phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of peg-IFN in 115 high-risk ET and PV patients (median age, 64 years) with intolerance or resistance to hydroxyurea. Eligible patients had one or more of the following features: prior t…

Reviewing Author

Brady L. Stein, MD, MHS

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Hematology (Senior Editor, ASH Self-Assessment Program; guideline development)

Brady L. Stein, MD, MHS

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Hematology (Senior Editor, ASH Self-Assessment Program; guideline development)

Pegylated Interferon for Essential Thrombocythemia and Polycythemia Vera

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Reviewing Author