What is alpha interferon therapy?
What is alpha interferon therapy?
Interferon-alpha is a man-made drug that acts like the substance our immune system naturally produces. It reduces the growth and division of leukemia cells. Interferon-alpha is the type most often used in treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Why are some patients treated with alpha interferon?
Interferon alpha is a man-made copy of a protein that is produced by the body in response to infections. Interferon alpha may help the immune system fight disease and may slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
What type of infection can be treated by injections of alfa interferon?
This medication is used to treat various cancers (e.g., leukemia, melanoma, AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma). It is also used to treat virus infections (e.g., chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, condylomata acuminata). This medication is the same as a protein that your body naturally produces (interferon).
How is interferon treatment administered?
How is interferon administered? Interferon is usually given by injection underneath the skin of the thigh or belly. The drug may also be given through a drip. In a 2013 study , interferon was given orally to see whether this would be effective in preventing chest infections.
Is interferon used anymore?
The combination of interferon and ribavirin is now no longer used as safer, shorter highly effective and more tolerable tablet only treatments are now available. We include this information for historical reference only. If you are offered pegylated interferon and ribavirin, please call our helpline on 020 7089 6221.
How should interferon alfa treatment be monitored?
Monitoring and Testing:
- You will be checked regularly by your healthcare professional while you are taking interferon alfa, to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy.
- Your thyroid gland may also be affected by this medication.
- An eye exam should be done if any changes in vision occur.
Is interferon an immunotherapy?
Interferon is a type of immunotherapy patients receive as adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of melanoma relapse.
What diseases does interferon treat?
What conditions do interferons treat?
- Chronic hepatitis C, hairy cell leukemia, Kaposi sarcoma caused by AIDS, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
- Chronic hepatitis, lymphoma, and malignant melanoma.
- Genital warts.
Do interferons protect against virus?
The various forms of interferon are the body’s most rapidly produced and important defense against viruses. Interferons can also combat bacterial and parasitic infections, inhibit cell division, and promote or impede the differentiation of cells.
How are viruses inhibited by interferons?
Viruses have evolved a variety of mechanisms to inhibit the production and action of the interferons. Interferon action may be blocked by inhibition of the post-receptor signalling pathway, which prevents the expression of a number of proteins with antiviral properties.
Are interferons man made?
Interferons are man-made versions of proteins your body makes. These drugs work with your immune system to help it find and attack viruses and cancer. They can stop virus and cancer cells from growing and spreading, and prevent other cells from getting infected.