IL-2/LAK cell treatment for advanced cancers with emphasis on a novel administration.
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a substance produced by activated blood cells called helper T-lymphocytes and has been shown to stimulate the body's immune system. IL-2 may cause certain tumors to regress when administered intravenously to laboratory animals and humans. Lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells are white blood cells that have been stimulated with IL-2 in vitro. LAK cells are capable of killing tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo, especially when given along with IL-2. Although this form of treatment has been found to be effective in patients with certain cancers who no longer benefit from standard forms of therapy, the anti-cancer effects of IL-2/LAK cell treatment are limited by the serious, life-threatening side effects of high-dose intravenous administration, and by the high cost. A treatment program with low-dose, intralymphatically-administered LAK/IL-2 in patients with advanced cancer is a promising alternative which circumvents these major problems and concerns, while maintaining high response rates.
Auber
M L
ML
Department of Medicine, West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown.
DeHaven
J I
JI
Raich
P C
PC
Rogers
J S
JS
Crowell
E B
EB
Romero
P
P
Mahin
E J
EJ
Sosnowski
J T
JT
Lamm
D L
DL
D016913:Blood Component Transfusion; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007272:Injections, Intralymphatic; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015979:Killer Cells, Lymphokine-Activated / Q000637:transplantation*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007376:Interleukin-2