title: Phase II study of intermittent continuous infusion of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 in advanced melanoma and renal cell cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previously we described the immunological and clinical effects of prolonged continuous infusion of low dose rIL-2. In this phase II study we explored the therapeutic efficacy of intermittent continuous infusion of low dose rIL-2.
  
  
  METHODS
  We selected 15 patients with advanced melanoma and 8 patients with renal cell cancer in good clinical condition, with low tumour burden and no previous systemic treatment. A treatment cycle consisted of infusion of 1.8 x 10(6) IU/m2/24 hrs rIL-2 for 3 weeks on an out-patient basis followed by a 3-week rest. A maximum of four cycles were given.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 35 cycles were given. Treatment was well tolerated. Transient hyperthyroidism occurred in 8 patients. No objective responses were noted. We noted a high incidence of central nervous system involvement occurring shortly after treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intermittent continuous infusion of low dose rIL-2 in advanced melanoma and renal cell cancer is well tolerated but the initial therapeutic results are not promising.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Huis, Amsterdam.
authors.forename: L T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Vlasveld
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Horenblas
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hekman
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hilton
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Dubbelman
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Melief
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Rankin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D007376:Interleukin-2; D011994:Recombinant Proteins