Interferon Alfa-2a in the Treatment of Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma

Between March 1984 and June 1986, a study treated 22 patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma using interferon alfa-2a. Patients received doses ranging from 3 million IU to 36 million IU daily for 10 weeks. The study found that 64% of patients responded to the treatment, with 27% achieving complete response. Side effects were common and dose-related, including malaise, depression, anorexia, weight loss, and leukopenia. Hair loss was reported in 23% of patients, and increased arm hair growth was noted in two patients. Neutralizing antibodies to interferon alfa-2a developed in some patients, but no clear correlation with clinical response was found. One patient developed multiple cutaneous malignancies, raising concerns about the drug's potential to promote neoplastic lesions. The study concluded that interferon alfa-2a is an effective single-agent therapy for cutaneous T cell lymphoma, but optimal dosing is limited by side effects.