Current status of interleukin-2 therapy in cancer

In vitro studies and animal experiments showed the existence of a physiological immune response against tumors. Interleukin-2 was the first immunological agent which demonstrated an anti-tumor effect by activating immune effectors. In vitro IL2 may generate Lymphokine Activated Killer (LAK) cells from peripheral blood lymphocytes or Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) expanded from tumor. In melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, IL2 alone or associated with LAK cells or TIL, mediated clinical responses. However, their clinical efficacy was associated with some toxicity related to a capillary leak syndrome. This implies an improvement in the selection of patients and in the understanding of IL2 action. Future directions in immunotherapy included combination IL2 with other cytokines or monoclonal antibodies or chemotherapy. Lymphokine gene therapy is designed to introduce IL2 or other cytokine genes into tumor infiltrating lymphocytes or directly into tumors to reduce systemic toxicity and to achieve high local cytokine concentration. Animal models and the first human trials make this approach promising.