Description
Cetus has introduced a stable rDNA interleukin-2 (rIL-2) for the treatment of renal cell
carcinoma. Recent studies showed that rIL-2 in combination with lymphokine activated
killer cells or tumor infiltrating lymphocytes induced regression or partial regression in
patients with advanced metastatic cancers.
Indications
IL-2 (Proleukin) is a cytokine that promotes the proliferation,
differentiation, and recruitment of T and B lymphocytes,
natural killer cells, and thymocytes. Human
recombinant IL-2 is designated as rIL-2. rIL-2 binds to
IL-2 receptors on responsive cells and induces proliferation
and differentiation of T helper cells and T cytotoxic
cells. It also can induce B-lymphocyte proliferation,
activate macrophage activity, and augment the
cytotoxicity of natural killer cells.
Definition
A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body’s natural response to disease). It stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. Also called IL-2.
Mechanism of action
rIL-2 is administered systemically as an immunostimulating
agent in patients with AIDS and to augment
specific antitumor immunity. Patients with renal cell
carcinoma or melanoma have been effectively treated
with rIL-2 in combination with adoptive transfer immunotherapy.
The latter refers to the injection of the
patient’s own cytokine-activated killer cells or tumorinfiltrating
lymphocytes after they reside in tissue culture
for several weeks in the presence of rIL-2.
Clinical Use
Protein of rDNA origin that is used in
treating renal cell carcinoma and
metastatic malignant melanoma.
Side effects
Systemic administration of rIL-2 causes fever, nausea,
vomiting, fatigue, and malaise. Other adverse affects
include flushing, diarrhea, chills, rash, edema,
symptomatic hypotension, and certain renal abnormalities.
These tend to occur at increased dosage levels and
are attenuated by reducing the dosage.
