Phase I study comparing continuous infusion of recombinant interleukin-2 by subcutaneous or intravenous administration.
22 cancer patients entered a randomised phase Ib trial comparing the effects of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 (300 micrograms/m2, approximately equivalent to 6.4 x 10(6) cetus units or 38 x 10(6) U per day) given continuously by intravenous or subcutaneous infusion. At 48 h after two 5-day courses, median lymphocyte levels (x 10(9)/l) were 6.0 (387% increase) in the subcutaneous arm (n = 9) and 5.9 (369% increase) in the intravenous arm (n = 8). Liver and renal toxicity were similar in the two groups. One minor response lasting 4 months occurred in 12 renal cancer/melanoma patients receiving subcutaneous treatment and one durable complete remission continuing at 30 months and one minor response lasting 10 months occurred in 6 renal cancer/melanoma patients receiving intravenous treatment.
Leahy
M G
MG
Royal London Hospital Medical College, Department of Medical Oncology, Whitechapel, U.K.
Pitfield
D
D
Popert
S
S
Gallagher
C J
CJ
Oliver
R T
RT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D007376:Interleukin-2; D011994:Recombinant Proteins