title: Sequential interleukin-2 and alpha interferon for renal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
abstract: There is a theoretical basis for the synergy of interleukin-2 (IL-2) with other cytokines. We have investigated sequential treatment with IL-2 and alpha interferon. 1 of 22 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma had a partial response and one a minimal response to continuous infusion IL-2 but none of the 9 patients with melanoma responded. 16 of 17 patients with renal cell cancer, and 8 with melanoma, were then treated with alpha interferon. 2 patients with renal cell cancer responded to alpha interferon with sustained remissions of 30 and 40 months; both had responded to IL-2. The investigation of combination therapy with other cytokines is suggested, by these unusually long responses to alpha interferon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Oncology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, U.K.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barton
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dalgleish
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Waxman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D016898:Interferon-alpha; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011994:Recombinant Proteins