Successful pregnancies in patients with BCR-ABL-positive leukemias treated with interferon-alpha therapy during the tyrosine kinase inhibitors era.

BACKGROUND

Management of pregnant patients with BCR-ABL-positive leukemia is challenging. Managing a patient who has been diagnosed while pregnant requires a different approach as compared to a patient who plans to become pregnant while on the treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Interferon (IFN)-alpha is a useful option in both situations due to teratogenic potential of TKIs.

METHODS

We presented a series of 12 successful pregnancies in 11 women with BCR-ABL-positive leukemia, whose leukemia was managed with IFN-alpha throughout their pregnancy.

RESULTS

All children have normal growth and development. All patients remained at least in hematological response and could start or resume TKI after delivery or breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION

Because of the increased risk of teratogenicity and spontaneous abortion in female patient with pregnancy, when receiving TKI, IFN-alpha can be considered a safe drug to be administered throughout pregnancy and could represent the drug of choice in this situation during the era of TKI therapy.