Clinical and immunological effects of recombinant interleukin 2 given by repetitive weekly cycles to patients with cancer

Cancer Res. 1988 May 1;48(9):2561-7.

Abstract

Eleven patients received four consecutive weekly cycles of human recombinant interleukin 2 (IL-2) by continuous infusion for 4 days/week. Two dose levels were tested, 1 and 3 X 10(6) units/m2/day. Toxicities experienced by most patients included fever, rigors, fatigue, anemia, eosinophilia, and liver function abnormalities. All side effects from treatment reversed and no severe or life-threatening problems occurred. A marked lymphocytosis was seen following the 4 weeks of therapy. Fresh lymphocytes obtained during this lymphocytosis mediated enhanced destruction in vitro of a natural killer cell-resistant tumor cell line (Daudi). The increase in the absolute number of circulating lymphocytes and their enhanced ability to mediate direct lysis of Daudi targets resulted in a greater than 100-fold mean increase in cytotoxic potential by the end of IL-2 treatment. One patient, with renal carcinoma, who was treated at 3 X 10(6) units/m2/day experienced a sustained measurable response with greater than 50% regression of pulmonary and hepatic metastases. Five patients were retreated with a second course of IL-2, lasting 4 weeks. This therapy was well tolerated in four of these five patients, with similar immunological changes occurring. No further antitumor responses were seen in these patients. Thus, a relatively well tolerated immunotherapy regimen using IL-2 can induce dramatic increases in lymphocyte number and augment their in vitro antitumor reactivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / administration & dosage*
  • Interleukin-2 / adverse effects
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Phenotype
  • Recombinant Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Recombinant Proteins / adverse effects

Substances

  • Interleukin-2
  • Recombinant Proteins