A literature analysis of prognostic factors for response and quality of response of patients with renal cell carcinoma to interleukin-2-based therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize prognostic factors for response of advanced renal cell carcinoma to interleukin-2-based regimens.


METHODS
Data compiled from 80 published series were examined for associations between patient characteristics and outcomes.


RESULTS
Response rates were highest in trials utilizing interleukin-2 combinations. Longer median survivals were associated with high percentages of patients with nephrectomy, good performance status, with publication year, response rates, and inversely with median ages. Associations of performance status and prior nephrectomy with response rates were detected in trials with individual patient details. The response rate was higher for patients older than the median age of patients entering each trial, and also higher for males. Among responders, attainment of complete response was associated with fewer sites of involvement. Pooled response duration of patients reported to have complete responses exhibited durability, but no correlation with prognostic factors. Selection factors may have influenced apparent differences between types of regimens. We confirm the potential for durable remissions from interleukin-2-based regimens.
Elias
L
L
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine and Cancer Research and Treatment Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA. Laurence_Elias@matx.com
Hunt
W C
WC
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016219:Immunotherapy, Adoptive; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D015979:Killer Cells, Lymphokine-Activated / Q000187:drug effects / Q000637:transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007376:Interleukin-2; D007372:Interferons