Q: What is the current role of interferon and rituximab in myeloma therapy?
A: Interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment has been employed in many studies. Two separate meta-analyses of the clinical data have been published (Br J Haematol. 2001;113:1020-1034; Ann Oncol. 2000 Nov;11:1427-1436). Both analyses revealed a modest benefit in progression-free survival; only one demonstrated a small benefit in overall survival. These trials were performed before the year 2000 when drugs such as thalidomide and bortezomib were not available. Given the limited benefit of IFN-α, toxicity of the drug, and availability of newer agents, IFN-α is not routinely employed in the treatment of myeloma.
Rituximab has been studied in phase 2 trials in those patients whose plasma cells express the CD20 antigen. (For a review, Br J Haematol. 2008;141:135-148). There have been reports of disease stabilization and partial responses. Clinical trials are ongoing to use this monoclonal antibody in combination with other drug treatments for myeloma.