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Interferon

Hi,
it looks as if I am going to have to start on interferon in the next few weeks. I ve been on a reduced dose of Imatinib (due to intollerance, as usual for me) but its not controlling the pcr levels which have shot up. As many of you may remember, Ive had all the available TKI drugs over the last few years with no joy.
I realy am NOT looking forward to Interferon (injections 3 times weekly) with all the awful side effects, depression & flu like symptoms. Does anyone have any advice how to keep these at bay or try to reduce the effects? Any advice or experiances of Interferon would be great.

Ive succeded in putting of this drug for quite a while, but now the time is up! Im awaiting a miracle result from yesterdays BMB!!!
Much love to you all...

Hi Ali,

You could try asking if you can be treated with pegylated interferon rather than IFN Alpha.

Peg IFN is a more tolerable form of IFN and has a longer half life so you do not need to inject it so often. I am not sure if it is available here in the UK- but I know patients who are treated successfully with it to keep them in remission after TKI therapy (German 1V study)

You might also mention Omacetaxine mepesuccinate- (formerly homoharringtonine) a molecule with a mechanism of action that is different from tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and has activity in CML.
I know there have been trials in HH.

Good luck,
Sandy

Thank you Sandy, unfortunatley HH have said no to pegelated & advise alpha interferon. I think due to the intolerences I am having.

My BMB results are worse than expected & we are awaiting a response from Prof Apperley today. It may mean I have to start interferon straight away & that means we wont be able to go on holiday next week. And I was so loocking forward to Italy for two weeks. I will ask about Omacetaxin & see what I can find out.

Many thanks.

Hi Ali

Sorry to hear that IM at a low dose isn't helping you. Lots of luck with the interferon and also here's hoping you can go to Italy next week.
Thinking of you, Ali,

best
Chrissiex