Overview of interleukin-2 as an immunotherapeutic agent.
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a lymphokine which has a variety of in vivo immunomodulatory effects. The administration of IL-2 can mediate enhancement of cellular immune responses, induction of lymphocyte proliferation, production of cytokines, and regression of established tumor in animal models. The availability of large quantities of recombinant IL-2 has enabled investigators to examine its therapeutic potential in the treatment of human cancer. Several studies have documented the ability of IL-2 administration to cause durable tumor regression in patients with advanced melanoma and renal cell cancer. Toxicity of therapy is dose related and is mediated by a vascular capillary leak syndrome, lymphocytic infiltration, and the release of cytokines secreted in response to IL-2 administration. The side effects are completely reversible upon cessation of therapy. Future efforts are aimed at increasing the antitumor efficacy and decreasing the toxicity of IL-2 administration.
Chang
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Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109.
Rosenberg
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D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007376:Interleukin-2; D003520:Cyclophosphamide