Complete cytogenetic response to interferon-α in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

We describe a complete cytogenetic response to interferon-α in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Although IFN-α therapy has been applied to patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving hemodialysis, the pharmacokinetics of IFN-α in patients with poor renal function still remain unclear. In the present patient, the serum IFN-α concentration remained high even 48 hours after injection (42.9 IU/ml), and IFN-α was almost completely removed by hemodialysis (<6 UI/ml). The patient was treated with IFN-α (3×10⁶ IU, three times a week), and cytogenetic disappearance (0%) of the Ph-positive clone was confirmed 31 months after the start of therapy. Recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo) was used to treat anemia due to renal failure and IFN-α therapy. The anemia was controllable with Epo, and no adverse effect was observed.