Successful pregnancies in patients with BCR‐ABL‐positive leukemias treated with interferon‐alpha therapy during the tyrosine kinase inhibitors era. (8th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balsat, Marie; Etienne, Madeleine; Elhamri, Mohamed; Hayette, Sandrine; Salles, Gilles; Thomas, Xavier
• Is Part Of: European journal of haematology. Volume 101:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 774
• Page End: 780
• Publication Date: 2018-10-08
• Subjects: acute lymphoblastic leukemia -- BCR‐ABL -- chronic myeloid leukemia -- interferon -- Philadelphia chromosome -- pregnancy -- prognosis; Hematology -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Blood -- Periodicals; 616.15005
• DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0902-4441

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Management of pregnant patients with BCR‐ABL‐positive leukemia is challenging. Managing a patient who has been diagnosed while pregnant requires a different approach as compared to a patient who plans to become pregnant while on the treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Interferon (IFN)‐alpha is a useful option in both situations due to teratogenic potential of TKIs. Methods: We presented a series of 12 successful pregnancies in 11 women with BCR‐ABL‐positive leukemia, whose leukemia was managed with IFN‐alpha throughout their pregnancy. Results: All children have normal growth and development. All patients remained at least in hematological response and could start or resume TKI after delivery or breastfeeding. Conclusion: Because of the increased risk of teratogenicity and spontaneous abortion in female patient with pregnancy, when receiving TKI, IFN‐alpha can be considered a safe drug to be administered throughout pregnancy and could represent the drug of choice in this situation during the era of TKI therapy.