Interferon Therapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Interferons are a family of substances naturally made by your immune system. They can also be made in a lab and used to treat some types of leukemia, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Interferon was once a main treatment option for CML. But newer targeted drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are usually much more effective and are now the mainstay of treatment for CML.

When might interferons be used to treat CML?

Today, the main use of interferons for CML is during pregnancy, because TKIs often can’t be used in this setting.

The forms of interferon that might be used to treat CML include:

• Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys and other brand names)
• Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (Besremi)

These drugs are most often given as an injection (shot) under the skin.

Side effects of interferons

Interferons can cause bothersome and possibly serious side effects. These include "flu-like" symptoms, such as:

• Muscle aches
• Bone pain
• Fever
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

People taking this drug may have problems thinking and concentrating.

Interferon can also lower blood cell counts.

Side effects typically last as long as the drug is used, but they often become easier to tolerate over time. Still, some people find it hard to deal with these side effects and may need to stop treatment because of them.