A Phase II trial of interleukin-2 by continuous infusion and interferon by intramuscular injection in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer, has responded poorly to all the chemotherapeutic agents and hormonal treatments that have so far been tested. Recently, the attention of researchers has turned towards substances such as interferon and interleukin-2 for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. These substances exert powerful effects on the function of immune system cells, and may affect cancer cells directly, as well. The combination of interleukin-2 and interferon was evaluated in 15 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. The patients received intravenous infusion of interleukin-2 and intramuscular injection of interferon for four days each week. The protocol was repeated for four weeks. All patients in this study experienced moderate to severe side effects as a result of the treatment, including chills and fever, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, and fatigue. Thirteen of 15 patients experienced tachycardia (racing heart beat), and in 14 cases the patient's blood pressure dropped. However, complete responses to treatment were achieved by two patients, and partial responses by two more. Both patients who achieved complete remission had metastatic cancer; however, they continue to be free of disease at 14 and 24 months of follow-up. These results indicate that the combination of interleukin-2 and interferon shows promise in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and should be evaluated further. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)