Patients Guide to IL-2

What You Need to Know About Interleukin-2 for Metastatic Melanoma.

"Melanoma." National Comprehensive Cancer Network. V.1.2009. 27 January 2009.

"Proleukin Prescribing Information." Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. 27 January 2009.

Smith FO, Downey SG, Klapper JA, et al. Treatment of metastatic melanoma using interleukin-2 alone or in conjunction with vaccines. Clin Cancer Res 2008 14:5610-5618. 27 January 2009.

This overview will arm you with the critical information you need to understand how it works, its effectiveness and its side effects.

Other Names (United States)
Proleukin, aldesleukin
Approved

1998
Description

IL-2 was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in 1998.

IL-2 is different than a chemotherapy drug — it is actually a natural part of your body's immune system. It is a type of messenger molecule called a "cytokine" that is secreted from certain cells to alert other cells about an infectious invader. At least 15 different kinds of interleukins have been discovered since the 1970s: IL-2 is known to specifically stimulate the growth and maturation of two kinds of white blood cells, called "T and B lymphocytes." The IL-2 used to treat metastatic melanoma doesn't come from the body but rather is mass produced, using the techniques of genetic engineering. It has the same properties as the natural version, but it has a slightly different name, aldesleukin.

Evidence for the Effectiveness of Interleukin-2

In the studies that led to approval, 6% of selected patients (those in good physical and mental condition) with metastatic melanoma had a complete response to high-dose IL-2, and 10% had a partial response. A complete response is defined as a long-lasting (10+ years and counting) elimination of the disease, although it is not technically a "cure." Regardless of the terminology, it is the only drug available that even has the possibility of such a profoundly positive and lengthy effect. Responses were observed in patients with a variety of metastases, including in the lung, liver, lymph nodes, soft tissue, adrenal glands and subcutaneous (deep) layers of the skin. IL-2, however, has not previously been recommended for patients with existing brain metastases.

Many clinical trials have been conducted (and are still being conducted) in an attempt to increase the response rates of IL-2 by combining it with other medicines. For example, a study demonstrated higher response rates when IL-2 was given in combination with a vaccine (22%) compared to IL-2 alone (13%). Unfortunately, many attempts to combine IL-2 with various chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, vinblastine, dacarbazine and others) — an approach called "biochemotherapy" — as well as with other drugs (interferon-alfa2b, etc), have thus far shown no significant improvement in the statistic that really counts: survival time.

Use of Interleukin-2

IL-2 is given by a 15-minute IV infusion every 8 hours for 5 days. Each treatment course consists of two 5-day treatment cycles separated by a 9-day rest period, and multiple courses are the norm. You will typically be imaged about a month after finishing your first treatment. If you are responding, you'll likely be offered a second course of treatment for 6 to 12 weeks after finishing the first course. To be eligible for IL-2 treatment, you must be in relatively good physical condition, with good heart, lung, liver and kidney function.

Potential Side Effects

IL-2 has frequent, often serious and sometimes fatal side effects. It should be given in a hospital under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer agents. An intensive care facility and specialists skilled in cardiopulmonary or intensive care medicine must be available. The rate of drug-related deaths in clinical trials of metastatic melanoma patients who received IL-2 was 2%.

Many of the side effects are due to "capillary leak," which begins immediately after treatment is started. Capillary leak results in the leakage of proteins out of blood that then causes a decrease in blood pressure. The most common side effects are as follows:

    nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
    weakness and fatigue
    flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache and muscle aches)
    low blood pressure
    general pain, chest pain (angina)
    breathing problems due to fluid in the lungs
    weight gain, fluid retention
    mental effects (paranoia, hallucinations, insomnia)
    itching, peeling skin
    anemia (low red blood cell count)
    low platelet count (increasing the risk of bleeding)
    low white blood cell count
    kidney damage
    mouth sores

These side effects are rarer but have been reported in some people taking IL-2:

    abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack
    respiratory failure
    severe infections
    gastrointestinal bleeding
    thyroid problems
    liver problems
    severe dizziness, fainting

Cautions/Interactions

IL-2 can make the side effects of other drugs and diseases much worse, so tell your doctor if you have:

    kidney problems
    heart disease
    liver disease
    lung disease
    a seizure disorder
    thyroid disorder
    infections
    any allergies
    any immune disorders

Also let your doctor know about any over-the-counter or prescription medications you use, especially corticosteroids, indomethacin, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs or other anticancer medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor approval.

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