Biological therapy of multiple myeloma

Abstract

Several studies have demonstrated response rates of about 20% in patients with refractory multiple myeloma treated with recombinant alpha-interferon [1, 3, 7]. An attempt to augment this response experience by using high dose induction schedules, often with the addition of Prednisone, did not result in enhanced response [1]. Anecdotal observations have suggested possible syner-gism between the interferons and cytotoxic drugs [2, 5]. Because of response rates of 50% in untreated patients [8], studies were done to evaluate the combination of interferon with standard chemotherapeutic regimens as initial therapy for multiple myeloma. Preliminary interpretation suggested that the duration of initial response may be extended with the addition of alpha-interferon [6]. Follow-up studies were not confirmatory. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.