The use of interferon‐α2a as monotherapy in stageIBpatients with mycosis fungoides: A retrospective chart review of patient outcomes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to IFN-α2a treatment as monotherapy in stage IB patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) in second-line therapy. Twenty-five patients with recurrent or persistent MF were included in the study. The diagnosis of MF was established according to clinical and histopathological signs. Clinical staging was made using TNMB classification. IFN-α2a as monotherapy was used as treatment. IFN-α2a was administered at a dose of 3 x 106 units thrice a week subcutaneously as initially described. According to clinical tolerance, the dose was increased every 4 weeks to 6 – 9 x 106 units. IFN-α2a was used more frequently for at least 3 months after complete remission. Treatment success was evaluated with Clinical Response (disappearance of all clinical evidence = Complete Remission [CR], ≥50% decrease in extent or severity = Partial Remission [PR], unresponsiveness to treatment = Stable Disease [SD], progression of MF = Progressive Disease [PD]). The average age was 51.3 ± 9.1. CR and PR were achieved in 11 (44%) and 12 (48%) patients, respectively. PD was observed in two (8%) patients. CR was accomplished at 16.1 ± 9.8 weeks. Recurrences were mostly observed within 1 year (10.4 ± 7.7 months). The recurrence rate was 45.4%. The mean duration of CR was 33.3 ± 7.9 months. Side effects were seen in 36% of the patients (18.2% in CR). The most common side effect was fatigue (12%). The patients received 11 different types of treatment before IFN-α2a treatment. The most frequent therapy prior to IFN-α2a treatment was narrow-band ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) phototherapy (15 [60%] patients). CR can be achieved in a relatively short period of time in patients receiving IFN-α2a in MF. The duration of CR is reasonable. The side effects of IFN-α2a are acceptable. Therefore, IFN-α2a as monotherapy is a good option in stage IB second-line MF therapy.