Sequential subcutaneous thymopentin, interferon alpha-2a and interleukin-2 in metastatic renal cell cancer.
To determine the activity of sequential administration of thymopentin (TP-5), interferon alpha-2a (IFN) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC), 17 patients with RCC were treated with TP-5 50 mg/d on days 1 to 14, IFN 3 MIU/d on days 14, 15, 21, 22 and IL-2 18 MIU/d on days 16 to 20, and 23 to 27. Treatment was given subcutaneously and cycles were repeated every 6 weeks. All patients were assessed for toxicity and response. No objective responses were observed. Two patients had a short-lived disease stabilization. Median survival was 9 months. Toxicity was generally moderate. The most important side-effects were related to IL-2 administration. In view of the lack of antitumor activity, the combination of TP-5 + IFN + IL-2 in the doses and schedule used in this trial cannot be recommended. The investigation of chemotherapeutic and immunological agents that can effectively synergize with IFN or IL-2 is essential.
Di Lauro
L
L
Department of Medical Oncology II, Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research, Rome, Italy.
Del Medico
P
P
Carpano
S
S
Cancrini
A
A
Gionfra
T
T
Vici
P
P
Rosselli
M
M
Lopez
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016305:Thymopentin / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016305:Thymopentin