The Use of Interferons in the Treatment of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Dermatol Clin. 2015 Oct;33(4):731-45. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2015.05.008. Epub 2015 Aug 20.

Abstract

Interferons are polypeptides that naturally occur in the human body as a part of the innate immune response. By harnessing these immunomodulatory functions, synthetic interferons have shown efficacy in combating various diseases including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This article closely examines the qualities of interferon alfa and interferon gamma and the evidence behind their use in the 2 most common types of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, namely, mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.

Keywords: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; Interferon alfa; Interferon gamma; Interferons; Mycosis fungoides; Sézary syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects
  • Interferon-alpha / pharmacology
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use
  • Interferon-gamma / adverse effects
  • Interferon-gamma / pharmacology
  • Interferon-gamma / therapeutic use*
  • Mycosis Fungoides / drug therapy*
  • Mycosis Fungoides / therapy
  • PUVA Therapy / methods
  • Retinoids / therapeutic use
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Retinoids
  • Interferon-beta
  • Interferon-gamma