Objective: In order to search for more effective treatment regimen of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Methods: Semisolid culture and conventional chromosome assay were used to evaluate the effect of interferon (IFN) and Ara-c on K562 cell line and BMMNCs from CML patients and normal controls.
Results: IFN had no obvious inhibitory effect on K562 cell. IFN and Ara-c had preferential inhibitory effect on CFU-GM growth of CML and selective cytotoxic effect on CML Ph+ cell. The combination of IFN with Ara-c enhanced the cytotoxic effect of IFN or Ara-c alone on CML cells.
Conclusion: IFN and Ara-c can be selected for therapy of CML in chronic phase. The combination of IFN with Ara-c may be more effective than IFN or Ara-c alone for the therapy of CML.