Interferon-α after autologous stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma

Thirteen children with refractory or recurrent Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) received high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (ASCT). After hematologic recovery, 10 patients were given interferon-α (IFN-α) as adjuvant therapy, starting at a dose of 0.5 × 10⁶U/m² subcutaneously, three times a week. The dose was escalated as tolerated. Patients were treated for a median of 12 (4-24) months. Transient myelosuppression was the most common toxicity and led to temporary treatment interruption in five patients. The IFN-α dose was increased in nine patients, to a median final dose of 3.5 × 10⁶U/m²/week. With a median follow-up of 67 (range 25-114) months, nine of the 10 patients are alive and in continuous remission. One patient relapsed. Three patients were not treated with IFN-α initially, two because of rapidly progressive disease. One patient received IFN-α for treatment of relapse after transplant, and is alive in remission 10 years later. IFN-α has activity in children with advanced HL, and prolonged, low-dose treatment given after ASCT can be tolerated. Its therapeutic effect as a post-transplant adjuvant warrants further investigation.