nilotinib + interferon-alfa

Nilotinib + interferon-alfa is a combination therapy used primarily in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), particularly in the chronic phase. Nilotinib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that selectively inhibits BCR-ABL, the abnormal fusion protein driving CML, by binding to its ATP-binding site and preventing activation of downstream signaling pathways essential for leukemic cell proliferation and survival[1][2][6]. Interferon-alfa (including its pegylated forms) is an immunomodulatory cytokine that enhances immune surveillance and has direct antiproliferative effects on malignant cells[3][4]. The combination aims to improve molecular response rates and potentially increase the likelihood of achieving treatment-free remission compared to monotherapy with either agent[4][5][8]. This regimen has been investigated in multiple clinical trials as first-line therapy for newly diagnosed CML patients or as maintenance following induction.

Brand names

Tasigna (nilotinib)Intron A (interferon alfa)Roferon-A (interferon alfa)Pegasys (pegylated interferon alfa-2a)PegIntron (pegylated interferon alfa-2b)

Other names

pegylated interferon alfapeg-interferon alphapegylated interferon α2b