Chronic effects of subcutaneous interleukin-2 therapy on soluble interleukin-2 receptors in advanced small cell lung cancer.
The increase in IL-2 receptor serum levels is one of the most typical changes in immune parameters during IL-2 cancer immunotherapy. To better define the effects of prolonged IL-2 injection on SIL-2R levels, we evaluated 7 advanced small cell lung cancer patients who received IL-2 subcutaneously at a daily dose of 9 x 10(6) IU/m2/12h for two days followed by 3 x 10(6) IU/m2/12h for 18 days (5 days/week for 4 weeks). Moreover, four patients were also evaluated during the second IL-2 cycle. Venous blood samples were drawn before and at weekly intervals during IL-2 therapy. Mean SIL-2R serum levels rapidly increased with the start of IL-2 injection, and they were significantly higher than the baseline levels throughout the immunotherapy cycle. The increase in mean SIL-2R levels was higher in patients with progressive disease than in those with response or stable disease, but the difference was not significant. Finally, the increase in mean SIL-2R concentrations during the second IL-2 cycle was not significantly different from that seen during the first one. The present study confirms that IL-2 administration determines an evident increase in SIL-2R levels; moreover, it would demonstrate that re-exposure to IL-2 after a rest period does not induce a more pronounced SIL-2R release.
Division of Medical Oncology A, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milano, Italy.
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Viviani
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Salvini
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Bidoli
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Camerini
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Spinazzé
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Arienti
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Rivoltini
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Motta
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007376:Interleukin-2; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2