Interferon-based treatment for patients with mycosis fungoides and hepatitis C virus infection

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Interferon (IFN) is a treatment option for both mycosis fungoides (MF) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Chemotherapy and anti-HCV treatment are generally not administered concurrently for fear of overlapping side effects.

OBJECTIVE: Herein, we report on a subset of patients who received IFN-containing therapy for MF and HCV infection simultaneously. We aimed to evaluate whether concomitant treatment for MF and HCV is effective and well tolerated.

METHODS: We reviewed the records of patients who were seen at MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2008 to 2013 with histologically confirmed MF and chronic HCV infection, and were treated with simultaneous focus on both diseases.

RESULTS: Six HCV-infected patients with MF received simultaneous anti-HCV and anti-MF treatment with IFN-containing therapy. Two patients achieved sustained virological response (regarded as virological cure). They both received antiviral combination therapy with ribavirin. All patients experienced some improvement of their cutaneous lesions, with two of them achieving complete MF remission. All six patients developed side effects while receiving treatment; two of them had grade 4 toxic effects requiring treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSION: IFN-based therapy can be administered for MF and HCV infection concurrently to provide not only virological but also oncological benefits to chronically HCV-infected MF patients. However, this regimen is poorly tolerated. Further studies are warranted in this patient population, using different treatment combinations with improved efficacy, safety, and tolerability.