Interleukin-2: use in solid tumors.
Recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) is a cytokine that has a central immunoregulatory role in controlling T cell function and growth. Clinical trials of rIL-2 regimens in various solid tumors have been initiated, and 337 patients at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation have been treated in a sequence of trials. The studies have involved rIL-2 or polyethylene-glycol conjugated rIL-2 (PEG-IL-2) as single agents, combinations of rIL-2 with recombinant interferon alpha, IL-4, or doxorubicin, and trials of rIL-2 with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). These studies are summarized and involve Phase I or Phase II investigations in patients with renal cell carcinoma (191 patients), malignant melanoma (49 patients) or miscellaneous solid tumors (97 patients). Response rates in each category, respectively, were 12%, 20% and 2%. Toxicity varied depending on the regimen and generally reflected the dose and schedule of rIL-2 being employed. This series of clinical studies demonstrates the role of rIL-2 in various malignancies and documents the activity in patients with malignant melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Additional studies to investigate potential mechanisms of antitumor activity and response determinants are underway.
Bukowski
R M
RM
Experimental Therapeutics Program, Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, OH 44195.
McLain
D
D
Olencki
T
T
Budd
G T
GT
Murthy
S A
SA
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D007370:Interferon Type I; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D015847:Interleukin-4; D004317:Doxorubicin