Stem Cells, Vol 11, 26-32, Copyright © 1993 by AlphaMed Press
Interleukin-2: use in solid tumors
RM Bukowski, D McLain, T Olencki, GT Budd and SA Murthy
Experimental Therapeutics Program, Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, OH 44195.
Recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) is a cytokine that has a central
immunoregulatory role in controlling T cell function and growth. Clinical
trials of rIL-2 regimens in various solid tumors have been initiated, and
337 patients at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation have been treated in a
sequence of trials. The studies have involved rIL-2 or polyethylene-glycol
conjugated rIL-2 (PEG-IL-2) as single agents, combinations of rIL-2 with
recombinant interferon alpha, IL-4, or doxorubicin, and trials of rIL-2
with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). These studies are summarized
and involve Phase I or Phase II investigations in patients with renal cell
carcinoma (191 patients), malignant melanoma (49 patients) or miscellaneous
solid tumors (97 patients). Response rates in each category, respectively,
were 12%, 20% and 2%. Toxicity varied depending on the regimen and
generally reflected the dose and schedule of rIL-2 being employed. This
series of clinical studies demonstrates the role of rIL-2 in various
malignancies and documents the activity in patients with malignant melanoma
and renal cell carcinoma. Additional studies to investigate potential
mechanisms of antitumor activity and response determinants are underway.
