Perspective Chapter: Impact of Interferon Alpha/Beta in the Management of Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders

It has been noted that interferon can exert an antiproliferative effect by stimulating cells of the immune system. Interferon has been shown to be effective in the treatment of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. Over the years, interferon alpha-2a and interferon alpha-2b have been introduced into the treatment of chronic myeloproliferation, followed by their pegylated forms. Studies have been showing the effectiveness of interferon alpha in reducing the number of platelets in essential thrombocythemia, reducing the need for phlebotomies in patients with polycythemia vera and also in reducing the number of leukocytes. Additionally, it turned out to be effective in reducing the size of the spleen. Interferon has also been shown to be effective in inducing long-term molecular remissions. The introduction of new forms of interferon such as ropeginterferon and the combination of interferon alpha with newly introduced drugs from other groups causes that interferon remains an important drug in the field of chronic myeloproliferative disorders. The chapter presents the results of clinical trials and the experiences of various centers in its usage for mieloproliferative neoplasms.