Oral changes in interleukin-2 treated patients: a preliminary report

Immunotherapy with high doses of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in patients with metastatic cancer is accompanied by multiorgan side effects. To determine the effect of this treatment on oral tissues, 5 cancer patients receiving a course of recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) were followed. Oral pathology and subjective oral complaints were noted. Whole saliva parameters and routine blood and urine values were recorded daily before, during and after treatment. Mucositis and diminution of salivary flow occurred in all patients. Concomitantly, salivary sodium and protein were elevated.