interferon alfa + cytarabine

Interferon alfa + cytarabine is a combination drug therapy comprising interferon alfa (a recombinant cytokine) and cytarabine (a nucleoside analog antimetabolite). It has been primarily investigated and used for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), especially in the chronic phase. Interferon alfa exerts antineoplastic effects through immunomodulation, direct antiproliferative actions, and signaling interference, while cytarabine inhibits DNA synthesis in proliferating cells. The combination has demonstrated improved rates of hematologic and cytogenetic responses and modestly prolonged survival compared to monotherapy with interferon alfa, though it is associated with increased toxicity.

Other names

IFN-alpha + cytarabineinterferon alfa + cytarabineIFN-α + cytarabine