Clinical Study on the Effect of Human Lymphoblastoid Interferon in B-Cell Malignancies

Abstract

Clinical effects of human lymphoblastoid interferon (HLBI) on multiple myeloma (MM), Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were studied. HLBI, 3 to 12×10⁶ units/day, was administered to 25 patients by daily intramuscular or intralesional injections. Out of 21 evaluable patients, partial remission was observed in 3 cases (two MM and one WM), and minor response was shown in 5 cases (three MM and two NHL). More than half of patients experienced fever over 38°C. Mild leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed. Other side effects included anorexia, malaise, liver dysfunction and skin rash. Serum peak interferon level was observed about 6 hours after intramuscular injection of HLBI. There was a correlation between HLBI dose and maximum serum interferon concentration.