Adoptive Immunotherapy and Interleukin-2 Following High-dose Therapy: A Potential Approach to Reduce Residual Tumor Cells.
Immune modulation and adoptive immunotherapy are being investigated as an additional cancer treatment modality. The influence of immunologic reactions, manifested as graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), has clearly been demonstrated in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. More recently, adoptive immunotherapy by infusion of donor peripheral blood leukocyte products to recipients at relapse has shown benefit. As the immune system regenerates after high-dose therapy and stem cell transplantation, it is possible that we may be able to enhance an immune response against tumor cells. Trials are underway to evaluate the effect of interleukin-2 (IL-2) given early after transplantation to produce this effect.
Zorsky
PE
Bone Marrow Transplant Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.