Hydro v Interferon

[shiftzz]

PV JAK2+, been on Hydro, Aspirin and Veneseaction. Only one venesection this year. Numbers all good, yesterday Consultant suggested that I switch to interferon, thought that could be better, ?? Confused, no side effects from Hydro..

[friendofpiglet]

Ain't bust, don't fix it!

But I'd ask your consultant why he/she suggested it. Likely to know considerably better than me after all.

[AndyT]

Could be to do with your age if you're under 60, as some consultants now prefer interferon in younger patients. Research is also beginning to suggest that long term interferon may lead to reversal of the genetic mutation and therefore be treating the underlying cause of the MPN not just the symptoms such as elevated blood counts.

A key question would be what kind of interferon they are suggesting - the standard one or the slow release pegylated version such as Pegasys, which generally has significantly fewer side effects and requires less frequent injections.

Worth discussing all the treatment options and pros and cons fully with your consultant before making any change, especially if HU already works well for you.

I've been on Pegasys for CALR+ ET for nearly 2 years and it's working well for me.

Good luck.

Andy

[shiftzz in reply to AndyT]

When I was diagnosed, my Numbers were WBC 12.7 HB 18.20 HCT 0.614 Platelets 1143 Neuts 9.59. Last week my numbers were WBC 9.52 HB 15 HCT 0.44 Platelets 218 Neuts 3.36... Feeling good....

[Belgobrit72]

Interested in this post as going through similar situation. My consultant seems to imply that long term interferon is better as more natural but been concerned about switching as feeling fine on hydroxy.

[shiftzz in reply to Belgobrit72]

Ok, I am 60 years old and was diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago, but, I was aware that there were issues some time before. Eventually got sorted. I am ok on Hydro, but will do some research on the differences. Can anyone show my some links that may shed some light on it... Thanks...

[Disney71 in reply to shiftzz]

Hi shiftzz I am about to go though the same as you. I was diagnosed with as JAK2+ (PV) about 2 months ago and have been on hydroxy 1.5g per day with 75mg aspirin per day. All my levels are becoming stable and my consultant is keen to move me over to inerferon as i am 45. My consultant seems to be very active and on the ball with the latest research concerning MPN and she gave me a paper to read about a trail in Itally on 65 PV patients who received either Pegylated Interferon or Hydroxy. Follow the link below to find this paper.

jhoonline.biomedcentral.com...

You have to sit down and read it carefully as there is alot of medical jargon but if you read it a couple of times it will start to sink in.

It is only a very small trail but it does seem to show that Pegylated Interferon might be the way to go for the long term. I'm going to give it a bash!

It would be good to keep in touch as it would appear we are (or about to be) in the same boat.

All the best Disney