Interferon Alpha Improves Outcomes in Polycythemia Vera

Now that interferon-alpha has been shown to prolong survival in patients with polycythemia vera, it is important that investigative efforts focus on developing a better understanding on the biology of the disease and the mechanisms by which the agent actually improves outcomes.

Ghaith Abu-Zeinah, MD, shares what inspired the study examining IFN vs standard strategies, key findings from the research, and the clinical implications of these data on the PV treatment paradigm.

Ghaith Abu-Zeinah, MD, discusses the efficacy of interferon-alpha in polycythemia vera.

Ghaith Abu-Zeinah, MD, discusses utilizing interferon-alpha in patients with polycythemia vera.

Interferon-alpha has been shown to significantly improve both myelofibrosis-free survival and overall survival over hydroxyurea and phlebotomy only in patients with polycythemia vera.