Interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A)

General information

Class/mechanism: Immune system activator; binds to human type 1 interferon, activating downstream intracellular signal transduction pathways initially mediated by the JAK/STAT pathway. Interferon α-2a activates multiple biologic effects which are not fully understood.
Route: SC
Extravasation: n/a

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Chronic myelogenous leukemia
• Follicular lymphoma
• Hairy cell leukemia
• Kaposi sarcoma
• Melanoma
• Neuroendocrine tumor
• Renal cell carcinoma
• Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Diseases for which it was used

• Multiple myeloma

Patient drug information

• Interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A) package insert
• Interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A) patient drug information (Chemocare)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 6/4/1986: Initial FDA approval for treatment of patients 18 years of age or older with hairy cell leukemia
• Uncertain date: In addition, it is indicated for chronic phase, Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients who are minimally pretreated (within 1 year of diagnosis).

Also known as

• Brand name: Laroferon, Roferon-A