Interferon alfa-2c
Also known as: Berofor Alpha 2, IFN-α2c, IFN‑α2c, IFNA2C, Interferon alfa 2c, Interferon alpha‑2c, rIFN-α2c
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Summary
Interferon alfa-2c (IFN‑α2c) is a recombinant type I interferon investigated for hematologic cancers such as Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma, essential thrombocythemia, and chronic myelogenous leukemia, as well as for oral ulcers in Behçet's syndrome. It is administered by injection (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous) or as a topical hydrogel. Clinical reports show modest anti‑tumor activity and symptom relief, but its use remains investigational.
Mechanism of Action
IFN‑α2c binds the interferon‑α/β receptor (IFNAR1/2) on target cells, activating the JAK‑STAT signaling cascade. This induces transcription of interferon‑stimulated genes that exert antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects, including inhibition of malignant hematopoietic cell growth, enhancement of natural killer cell activity, and modulation of cytokine production.
What the Research Shows
Early trials combined IFN‑α2c with cladribine for Waldenström's disease, using 15 µg subcutaneously three times weekly for one year; all patients tolerated the regimen and disease control was maintained. In a randomized study of untreated multiple myeloma, IFN‑α2c monotherapy yielded 14 % objective responses and 29 % minor responses, inferior to the VMCP poly‑chemotherapy regimen. A four‑year essential thrombocythemia series (20 patients) reported 65 % complete remission and 20 % partial remission, with relapse after discontinuation. Phase II CML studies showed hematologic responses in about half of interferon‑γ‑resistant patients and occasional cytogenetic improvements, though disease progression was not prevented in all cases. A topical IFN‑α2c hydrogel applied to oral ulcers in 20 Behçet's patients reduced aphthae frequency without adverse events. Overall, evidence is limited to small, mostly historical cohorts.
Reported Benefits
Clinical observations suggest IFN‑α2c can induce remission or partial disease control in low‑burden hematologic malignancies, improve platelet counts in essential thrombocythemia, and provide symptomatic relief for oral ulcers in Behçet's syndrome. In Waldenström's disease, maintenance therapy after cladribine was well tolerated and offered palliation. The drug also demonstrated activity in interferon‑γ‑resistant CML patients, achieving hematologic and occasional cytogenetic responses.
Limitations of the Evidence
The data derive from small, non‑randomized or early‑phase studies, often conducted decades ago, limiting generalizability. In multiple myeloma, IFN‑α2c was markedly less effective than standard poly‑chemotherapy. Long‑term durability of responses is uncertain, with disease recurrence after withdrawal in essential thrombocythemia. No regulatory approval exists, and comparative modern trials are lacking.
Safety Considerations
Reported adverse effects are typical of type I interferons: flu‑like symptoms (fever, bone or muscle pain), fatigue, lethargy, and psychological disturbances, leading to discontinuation in a minority of patients. Thyroid autoimmunity emerged during prolonged therapy in essential thrombocythemia. Infections were infrequent despite immunosuppression. The topical formulation caused no observable side effects in the Behçet's trial.
How It Is Administered
IFN‑α2c can be delivered by subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous injection; dosing regimens have varied widely, from 6–45 million units per week subcutaneously in essential thrombocythemia to 15 µg subcutaneously three times weekly for maintenance in Waldenström's disease. A hydrogel containing the recombinant protein has been applied topically to oral mucosa for ulcer treatment.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Antiviral therapyInfectious DiseaseModerate
- ImmunomodulationImmunologyLow
- Condylomata acuminataAntiviral / DermatologyLow
- Hairy cell leukemiaOncologyModerate
- Kaposi's sarcomaOncologyLow
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)OncologyModerate
- Chronic hepatitis BAntiviral / HepatologyLow
- Oncology adjunctCancerModerate
Contraindications
- Severe hepatic dysfunction / decompensated cirrhosisHepaticHigh
- Severe autoimmune diseaseImmunologicalHigh
- Severe renal impairmentOrganModerateKidney function concerns
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or any excipientAllergy/ImmunologyHigh
- Severe depression or psychiatric illnessPsychiatricModerate
- Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressionTransplantModerate
- Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
- Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression, suicidal ideation)PsychiatricHigh
Adverse Effects
- Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, headache)SystemicCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Hematologic abnormalitiesHematologicUncommon
- Fatigue and astheniaConstitutionalCommon
- Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, cognitive disturbance)NeuropsychiatricCommon
- Flu‑like syndromeSystemicCommon
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)HematologicCommon
- Injection site reactionLocalCommonRedness, swelling, itching, bruising, or pain at the injection site
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism)EndocrineUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Zidovudine (AZT)Moderate
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)Moderate
- RibavirinModerate
- CorticosteroidsLow
- ClozapineHigh
- TheophyllineModerate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients with pre-existing psychiatric disordersPsychiatricRelative
- Elderly (>75 y)AgeRelative
- Patients with cardiovascular diseaseComorbidityRelative
- Elderly patients (≥65 years)Age RelatedRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNot authorized for marketing.
- United StatesInvestigationalInvestigational New Drug (IND) status only.
- United KingdomUnapprovedAvailable only within clinical trials.
Not approved by major regulatory agencies; available only in clinical‑trial or compassionate‑use settings.
Evidence & Sources
- Journal ArticleModerateFridrik MA, et al.1997-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateLudwig H, et al.1986-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleLowGisslinger H, et al.1991-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateThaler J, et al.1993-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateHamuryudan V, et al.1990-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateHerrmann F, et al.1990-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
Frequently Asked Questions
Is interferon alfa-2c an approved drug for cancer?
No. Interferon alfa-2c remains investigational and has not received regulatory approval for any indication. It has been studied in clinical trials but is not marketed as a therapeutic product.
What conditions have been studied with interferon alfa-2c?
Research has examined IFN‑α2c in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma, essential thrombocythemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia (including interferon‑γ‑resistant cases), and as a topical gel for oral ulcers in Behçet's syndrome.
What are the common side effects of interferon alfa-2c?
The most frequently reported effects are flu‑like symptoms (fever, muscle or bone pain), fatigue, mood changes, and, with long‑term use, thyroid autoimmunity. Severe adverse events are uncommon, but some patients discontinue therapy because of intolerance.
How is interferon alfa-2c administered in studies?
It has been given by subcutaneous injection (often several times weekly), intramuscular or intravenous infusion, and as a topical hydrogel applied to oral lesions. Specific dosing varies by study and disease context.
Does interferon alfa-2c cure the diseases it is tested for?
Evidence shows modest disease control or partial responses in certain hematologic malignancies and symptom relief in oral ulcers, but no trial has demonstrated cure. Responses are often temporary, and disease may recur after treatment cessation.
What is Interferon alfa-2c?
Interferon alfa-2c (IFN‑α2c) is a recombinant type I interferon investigated for hematologic cancers such as Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma, essential thrombocythemia, and chronic myelogenous leukemia, as well as for oral ulcers in Behçet's syndrome. It is administered by injection (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous) or as a topical hydrogel. Clinical reports show modest anti‑tumor activity and symptom relief, but its use remains investigational.
What is Interferon alfa-2c used for?
Interferon alfa-2c is educationally associated with: Antiviral therapy, Immunomodulation, Condylomata acuminata, Hairy cell leukemia, Kaposi's sarcoma, Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), Chronic hepatitis B, Oncology adjunct. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Interferon alfa-2c administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Interferon alfa-2c?
Reported adverse effects include: Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, headache), Injection site reactions, Hematologic abnormalities, Fatigue and asthenia, Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, cognitive disturbance), Flu‑like syndrome, Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Injection site reaction, Elevated liver enzymes, Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Interferon alfa-2c?
Recorded contraindications: Severe hepatic dysfunction / decompensated cirrhosis, Severe autoimmune disease, Severe renal impairment, Pregnancy, Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or any excipient, Severe depression or psychiatric illness, Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppression, Autoimmune hepatitis, Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression, suicidal ideation). Consult a qualified clinician before use.