LONG-TERM CONTROL OF POLYCYTHEMIA RUBRA VERA WITH RECOMBINANT ALPHA-INTERFERON

The natural history of PRV is characterized by a prolonged period of m yeloproliferation chiefly affecting the red cell series. It can be con trolled by venesection and cytotoxic agents. In this case report the p atient declined further 'standard' chemotherapy to control his disease and the use of relatively low doses of IFN-alpha was successful in ou r patient in controlling myeloproliferation and stabilizing the diseas e over a prolonged period. These results support the use of IFN-alpha, not only as a means of myelosuppression in PRV but also as an agent w ith the potential to prevent disease progression.