Interferon

Interferon is one of the older chemotherapy drugs, having been in use for many years. There are three types of Interferon available:

• Interferon-alpha

• Interferon-beta

• Interferon-gamma

Interferons, when prepared for use, become a clear, colorless liquid which is given by intra-muscular injection beneath the skin. They are most commonly used in treatment of the following conditions:

Interferon-alpha

• Hairy-cell Leukemia

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

• Kidney cancer

• Melanoma

• Low grade lymphomas

• Multiple Myeloma

• Kaposi's Sarcoma

Interferon-beta

• Multiple sclerosis

Interferon-gamma

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

• Kidney cancer

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Interferon is normally given three times a week over a protracted period of time, depending upon the underlying condition.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Interferon. The following are some of the most common adverse side effects:

• Flu-like symptoms, low grade fever, runny nose, muscle pain

• Low white blood count

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to his/her medical oncologist.