Non-melanoma and non-renal cell carcinoma malignancies treated with interleukin-2

Some positive results have been observed after interleukin-2 treatment, especially in melanoma, and pulmonary metastasis of renal carcinoma. The aim of the following article is to analyze the response to interleukin-2 in patients with non-melanoma and non-renal cells malignancies. The response was studied with reference to the interleukin-2 dose, the way of application, the kind of tumor and the other treatments. A database search was performed to trace studies describing interleukin-2 tumor treatment in non-melanoma and non-renal cells malignancies, published between 1.1.1999 and 30.01.2001. We found 38 communications for the use of interleukin-2 in a total of 1030 patients. The literature review suggests that the optimal way of application of interleukin-2 in metastatic colorectal carcinoma is the local use in a low dose, with intervals between applications, for 4-6 months, after some pretreatment. In unresectable pancreatic head carcinoma a total response was 85% with twice prolonged survival. In malignant mesothelioma--stable disease was achieved in 56% with potential advantages of local application. In hematological malignancies interleukin-2 treatment was followed by remission or increase in immune defense depending on the histological type. In breast cancer interleukin-2 induced immunologically functional graft. Metastatic pulmonary carcinoma has a favorable prognosis concerning response and survival. The maintenance treatment with low doses of interleukin-2 in responders to previous chemotherapy is promising. Better results are observed with lower dose, cyclic application and combining chemotherapy. Cycles with longer duration (4-6 months) have a better effect also for patients with response to former treatment.