Adoptive immunotherapy administered via the hepatic artery and intralesional interleukin-2 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
We assessed the feasibility of using lymphokine-activated killer cells (adoptive immunotherapy) with infusions of interleukin-2 when given regionally in three patients with unresectable primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC). In 2 patients, 2 cycles, which included a bolus of LAK (10(7) to 10(8) cells followed by a 4-hourly infusion of IL-2 were administered via selective arterial catheterization of the hepatic artery. One further patient received 3 cycles of IL-2 alone by direct intralesional and perilesional injections. Minimal toxicity was observed and side effects such as fever were comparable to those observed with systemic infusions of IL-2 alone. Serial alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels initially fell but subsequently rose within 2 to 4 weeks of therapy. AFP levels had not reached pre-treatment values at 4 months in 2 patients, 1 of whom was alive and well at 15 months follow-up.
Fagan
E A
EA
Liver Unit, King's College Hospital, London, U.K.
Pulley
M
M
Limb
A
A
Wolstencroft
R
R
Cranenburgh
C
C
De Vinci
C
C
Karani
J
J
Michell
M
M
Nunnerley
H
H
Zaman
S
S
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000276:immunology / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000378:metabolism
D007376:Interleukin-2; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins