8 Interferon-α: results from randomized trials

Interferon α is effective in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia in terms of disease control. However, it is an expensive treatment compared with conventional chemotherapy and is not without side-effects. Examination of all the available randomized evidence demonstrates an absolute improvement in survival at 5 years of 15%±6% compared with conventional chemotherapy. There is no clear evidence that this benefit is different in any particular subgroup of patients. The size of benefit conferred by continuing interferon α in patients who show no cytogenetic response, the best dose to use, and whether it should be given in combination with chemotherapy all remain uncertain at present.