Dr. Knudsen Discusses the Rationale of the DALIAH Trial in MPNs

Trine Alma Knudsen, MD, PhD student, Department of Haematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark, discusses the rationale of the DALIAH trial in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

Knudsen says that while hydroxyurea decreases the risk of thrombosis when used as a first-line therapy, there are concerns regarding its leukemogenic potential. Recombinant interferon alpha-2 is currently used off-label for these patients, and is non-leukemogenic. This drug has also demonstrated high rates of molecular, hematological, and clinical responses in patients with MPNs. Toxicity has been a limiting factor for its use, but with the new pegylated forms, this agent is now more tolerable.

The phase III randomized DALIAH trial is comparing recombinant interferon alpha-2 versus hydroxyurea in patients with MPNs. Interim analysis shows a similar overall response rate between the 2 agents, with toxicity dependent discontinuation from recombinant interferon alpha-2 being higher than expected.