title: Low-dose rIL-2-induced remission of disseminated CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma through reinforcement of presumed T-cell-mediated tumor cell killing, complicated by unilateral drowning of lymphoma-infiltrated lung.
abstract: We report on the immuno-oncologic analysis and treatment of a remarkable case of disseminated CD30+ anaplastic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Its clinical course was characterized by repeated spontaneous regressions, which were probably due to a T-cell-mediated anti-lymphoma immune reaction, as tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes were consistently observed in sections of lymphoma lesions and found to express high-affinity receptors for interleukin-2 (IL-2). This marker may be particularly suitable to predict a response to low-dose recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2), as confirmed in this case by prompt lymphoma regression after regional rIL-2 perfusion of a cutaneous lesion and by an impressive overall response to systemic rIL-2 treatment. Despite the very low dose of rIL-2, 600,000 IU/24 h as a continuous i.v. infusion, systemic treatment was complicated by generalized capillary leakage and life-threatening unilateral drowning of the lymphoma-infiltrated left lung.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Dr. Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Beun
authors.forename: L T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Vlasveld
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bot
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Gratama
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Slingerland
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: van't Veer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D017728:Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012074:Remission Induction; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D007376:Interleukin-2