IMPROVING THE CYTOGENETIC RESPONSE TO INTERFERON-ALPHA BY ZIDOVUDINE (AZT) IN AN HIV-POSITIVE CHRONIC MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA PATIENT

An asymptomatic HIV-positive patient with Philadelphia chromosome posi tive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) was treated by interferon-a (I FN-a) for four years. A sustained hematological response and major cyt ogenetic response were achieved. However, a complete cytogenetic remis sion (100% Ph-negative cells) was observed when zidovudine (AZT) was i ntroduced as treatment for HIV-related immunodepression. Moreover, thi s complete cytogenetic remission was confirmed by quantitative PCR sho wing decreased BCR-ABL rearrangement at very low level. As, there are some in vitro reports demonstrating a synergistic antiproliferative ef fect of IFN-a and zidovudine, we discuss the possibility of synergisti c effects between AZT and IFNa in the treatment of CML.