This treatment can enhance the anti-leukemia effect of bone marrow transplantation and reduce recurrence

The study, published in the journal Blood Advances, looked at patients with advanced acute myeloid leukemia who developed resistance to other treatments

Previous laboratory research by this group led by Pavan Reddy, MD, showed that interferon drugs can enhance the function of a key subgroup of dendritic cells, which can selectively enhance the function of T cells, which are used in transplantation.

To solve this problem, researchers have studied a long-acting interferon called pegylated interferon

An early clinical trial enrolled 36 patients who received four doses of peginterferon alfa every 14 days before transplantation

"Despite the therapeutic potential of bone marrow transplantation, recurrence is still the biggest obstacle to success

Although more studies are needed to confirm the findings of a larger randomized clinical trial, the researchers pointed out that for this group of patients with few options, new strategies are essential

Hematology/Oncology Professor Victor Ginsberg said: "This is not a home run

The team put forward some ideas based on ongoing laboratory research to try to improve these results

John M Magenau, Daniel C.