Endolymphatic delivery of IL2 in patients with melanoma and lymphoma.
During this phase I/II study, enodolymphatic cannulae were placed in the iliac lymphatics under general anaesthesia. IL2 was then infused via this route at escalating doses until the highest tolerated dose was achieved; then, continuous infusion was maintained for 2 to 3 weeks. Seven patients with advanced cancer (3 lymphoma, 4 melanoma), resistant to all other modalities of treatment received such therapy. Most patients tolerated 4 to 5 x 10(6) u/day of IL2 for 2 to 3 weeks with less toxicity as compared to the equivalent dosage given intravenously. No severe perioperative morbidity was experienced. One melanoma patient had a minor clinical response. Changes in circulating lymphocyte numbers and cytotoxicity demonstrated a systemic effect of endolymphatic IL2 therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The endolymphatic administration of IL2 is associated with less toxicity than the intravenous route but still achieves a systemic effect; a lower tumour burden may prove more responsive to this therapy.
Galvani
D W
DW
Department of Haematology, Royal Liverpool Hospital, UK.
Walton
S
S
Davies
J M
JM
Owen
R R
RR
Carr
R
R
Cawley
J C
JC
Sells
R A
RA
D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007272:Injections, Intralymphatic; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype
D006454:Hemoglobins; D007376:Interleukin-2