title: Interleukin-2 alone and in combination with other cytokines in melanoma: the investigational approach at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
abstract: The clinical data that have been accumulated so far suggests a significant influence of IL-2 dose and schedule on the immunobiological effects and clinical toxicities observed with this cytokine. Consequently, the series of Phase I and Phase II clinical trials conducted at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in patients with advanced malignant melanoma investigating the use of IL-2 in combination with other cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, or ex vivo activated effector cells have used a common dose and schedule of IL-2 administration for which abundant immunobiological information already exists. This approach allows cross-trial comparison of experience with toxicities, immunobiological observations and clinical activity by a group of investigators within a single institution, and more rapid and valid evolution towards combination biological therapy, which preclinical data suggest will have greater activity than single agent therapy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Parkinson
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Talpaz
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Legha
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Markowitz
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Itoh
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Balch
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Zukiwski
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Benjamin
mesh_terms: D001685:Biological Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016207:Cytokines; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D001685:Biological Factors; D016207:Cytokines; D007376:Interleukin-2