A European randomised multicentre study of interferon alpha-2b versus no treatment after intensive therapy and Autologous hematopoeitic Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) for relapsing lymphoma patients

INTERVENTION: Patients are randomised to one of two treatment groups: Group A: High dose therapy with ASCT, then after haematologic recovery, no further treatment. Group B: High dose therapy with ASCT, then after haematologic recovery, interferon alpha‐2b 2MU subcutaneously three times weekly for the first four weeks then 3MU three times weekly for 17 months. The interferon dose will be modified according to haematologic tolerance. CONDITION: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's), Lymphoma (non‐Hodgkin's) ; Cancer ; Lymphoma PRIMARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Patients with histologically proven non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease, in first relapse or first progression responding to salvage regimen, and treated with high dose therapy and ASCT 2. Normal renal and hepatic function. 3. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status zero to three 4. Aged 18 to 65 years 5. No history of prior or concomitant malignancy except for treated (surgery or radiotherapy) basal cell carcinoma of the skin or carcinoma in situ, whatever the site