dexamethasone + interferon alfa

This combination treatment regimen was investigated by the SWOG Cancer Research Network (specifically in the Phase II trial S9628) for the treatment of primary systemic (AL) amyloidosis. The protocol consists of high-dose dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, as induction therapy followed by maintenance therapy combining dexamethasone with recombinant interferon alfa. Dexamethasone acts as a lympholytic agent that targets the underlying clonal plasma cell dyscrasia, thereby reducing the production of toxic amyloidogenic light chains. Interferon alfa, a cytokine, provides additional anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory effects against the plasma cells. The trial demonstrated that this regimen could achieve hematologic complete remissions and improve organ dysfunction in a significant subset of patients with AL amyloidosis.

Other names

Dexamethasone/Alpha-InterferonDexamethasone and Alpha-InterferonHigh-dose dexamethasone and interferon alfa