Role of interferon for the treatment of myeloma

Interferon (IFN)-alpha inhibits the growth of myeloma cell lines by inducing apoptosis. Based upon this finding, IFN has been evaluated in clinical trials as single-agent induction therapy, induction in combination with chemotherapy, and as maintenance therapy in plateau phase. Available data suggest that progression-free survival is improved with IFN, but the survival benefit is small. IFN has also been evaluated as maintenance after high-dose chemotherapy; however, the true benefit of IFN maintenance remains to be elucidated in view of conflicting data. In an area of rapidly increasing treatment options, novel agents, which have less toxicity and more biologic rationale, outweigh the limited benefits for IFN.