Interferon for Lymphoma

Overview
Interferon is a type of medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to modify the immune system and slow the growth of cancer cells in people 18 years of age or older with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The types of interferon used to treat lymphoma include interferon alpha-2a, interferon alpha-2b, and interferon gamma-1b.

Interferons are proteins produced by the immune system to fight infections and cancer. Natural or synthetic interferon may be used as part of immunotherapy for lymphoma. Interferon is believed to work by enhancing the immune system’s response to lymphoma.

How do I take it?
Interferon is administered as a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

Side effects
Common side effects for interferon include headache, dizziness, depression, irritability, hair loss, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and injection site reaction.

Rare but serious side effects of interferon include stroke, heart attack, worsening heart or liver disease, psychosis, suicidal thoughts or behavior, life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, severe infections, lung problems, vision problems, and pancreatitis.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Interferons — Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation
https://www.clfoundation.org/interferons

Interferon Alpha 2a — Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
https://www.lls.org/drug/interferon-alfa-2a

Interferon Alpha 2b — Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
https://www.lls.org/drug/interferon-alfa-2b