Stem Cells, Vol 11, 263-268, Copyright © 1993 by AlphaMed Press
Interleukin 2 treatment in acute myelogenous leukemia
F Mandelli, M Vignetti, S Tosti, C Andrizzi, R Foa and G Meloni
Department of Human Biopathology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Significant clinical responses obtained with interleukin 2 (IL-2) in solid
tumors such as renal cell cancer and malignant melanoma prompted the use of
this immunomodulatory drug to verify its activity in hematological
malignancies. Several preclinical experiments showed an activity of IL-2
against leukemic cell lines in cultures, particularly in acute myeloid
leukemia (AML), while only episodically a proliferative stimulus of IL-2 on
the growth of leukemic blasts has been observed. Based on these preclinical
studies, in the past five years several phase I-II clinical trials have
verified IL-2 activity in AML in advanced phase, both in patients with
active disease and in patients in further complete remission (CR). Data
obtained are difficult to evaluate due to the low number and the
heterogeneity of patients treated, but encouraging results have been
reported in patients with "limited" disease (bone marrow blastosis <
30%), showing an antileukemic activity of IL-2 alone. Different
international phase III trials are ongoing in AML patients in I CR after
autologous bone marrow transplantation (Roussel-Uclaf, Romainville, France)
and in II CR after conventional chemotherapy (Roche SpA, Milan, Italy) to
verify the efficacy of IL-2 in reducing the risk of relapse and prolonging
disease-free survival.
