[Clinical study on the effect of natural alpha-interferon (HLBI) in the treatment of adult T-cell leukemia].

The phase II trial of natural interferon-alpha (HLBI) in treatment of adult T-cell leukemia was carried out as a cooperative study. Of the 24 cases which could be evaluated, 3 cases in crisis type and 5 cases in chronic type with lymphadenopathy and/or skin infiltration achieved PR, giving a response rate of 33.3%. The anti-tumor effect of HLBI for skin lesion could be assessed in 16 cases with skin infiltration, giving a response rate of 50.0% (5 CR and 3 PR) and demonstrating a high efficacy. Of the 31 eligible patients, side effects were recognised in 27 (87.1%). Major subjective and objective symptoms were fever (38.7%), fatigue (25.8%), anorexia (12.9%) and nausea (12.9%), and leukopenia (22.6%), granulocytopenia (38.7%), thrombocytopenia (38.7), elevation of GPT (12.9%) and GOT (12.9%) were observed.