title: Exacerbation of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma with a combination of interleukin-2 and beta-interferon: results of a phase 2 study.
abstract: Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (EKS) is the most common neoplastic manifestation of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The underlying immune deficiency can be partially reversed in vitro with interleukin-2 (IL-2). The type 1 interferons (IFN), alpha and beta, inhibit the growth of the etiologic agent of AIDS, the human immunodeficiency virus, have antitumor activity against Kaposi's sarcoma, and are synergistic with IL-2 in stimulating natural killer cell activity. Four patients with EKS were treated three times weekly with simultaneous intravenous injections of recombinant IL-2 (5 X 10(6) Cetus units/m2) and recombinant IFN-beta (6 X 10(6) units/m2). All patients had generalized disease, were without systemic symptoms, had no prior opportunistic infection, and had stable disease at the initiation of therapy. No patient had an objective response. Three patients exhibited rapid disease progression within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment, necessitating discontinuation of therapy and early closure of the study. This adverse result may have resulted from the significant levels of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) that can be generated with this dose and schedule of IL-2. Investigators using IL-2 should monitor IFN-gamma levels and avoid intermediate to high-dose bolus IL-2 therapy in patients with EKS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Krigel
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Padavic-Shaller
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Rudolph
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Poiesz
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Comis
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a