Combination of interleukin-2 and gamma interferon in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
The use of high-dose interleukin-2 (IL2), alone or in association with lymphokine activated killer cells in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) results in a 20-25% response rate. However, the toxicity of IL2 is substantial and despite many clinical trials, response rates initially reported have not been improved. The aim of this study was to evaluate a combination of IL2 and gamma interferon (IFN) in MRCC with respect to both efficacy and tolerance. IL2 was given by continuous intravenous infusion at a daily dose of 24 x 10(6) U/m2 for 2 consecutive days during 5 consecutive weeks. Gamma IFN was given subcutaneously at a daily dose of 5 x 10(6) U/m2 on the same days as IL2. 33 patients with MRCC entered the study. Clinical responses were comparable with other published series: 7 patients (21%) achieved partial response, 13 (39%) were stable and 13 had progression, despite therapy. Immunological profile observed with this regimen showed a major increase in natural killer cells which became the predominant lymphocyte population at the end of the therapy. Tolerance was good with 92.5% of the planned doses actually received by the patients. This was reflected by an early discharge from the hospital in 95% of the cycles, increasing acceptability of the regimen by the patients.
Escudier
B
B
Service de Réanimation, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
Farace
F
F
Angevin
E
E
Triebel
F
F
Antoun
S
S
Leclercq
B
B
Brandely
M
M
Aboudaram
A
A
Nitenberg
G
G
Hercend
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D007376:Interleukin-2; D007371:Interferon-gamma