Long-acting interferon: pioneering disease modification of myeloproliferative neoplasms

Abstract

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal disorders of hematopoietic stem cells. The malignant clones produce cytokines that drive self-perpetuating inflammatory responses and tend to transform into more aggressive clones, leading to disease progression. The progression of MPNs follows a biological sequence from the early phases of malignancy, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia, to advanced myelofibrosis and leukemic transformation. To date, the treatment of MPNs has focused on preventing thrombosis by decreasing blood cell counts and relieving disease-related symptoms. However, interferon (IFN) has been used to treat MPNs because of its ability to attack cancer cells directly and modulate the immune system. IFN also has the potential to modulate diseases by inhibiting JAK2 mutations, and recent studies have demonstrated clinical and molecular improvements. Long-acting IFN is administered less frequently and has fewer adverse effects than conventional IFN. The current state of research on long-acting IFN in patients with MPNs is discussed, along with future directions.

Treatment with ropeginterferon alfa-2b in patients with hydroxyurea resistant or intolerant polycythemia vera in South Korea: one-year results from a phase 2 study

“…Yet, the implementation of these treatments is hindered in Korea due to a lack of reimbursement. Furthermore, most research on interferon in PV has focused on its use as an early-stage treatment option due to its disease-modifying properties [ 8 , 9 ]. Consequently, data on the clinical efficacy and safety of interferon in patients resistant or intolerant to HU are sparse, particularly regarding treatment with ropeginterferon alfa-2b.…”