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Denileukin diftitox as novel targeted therapy for lymphoid malignancies

Bryan Y Wong1, Stephanie A Gregory, Nam H Dang

  • 1Department of Hematologic Malignancies, Nevada Cancer Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135, USA.

Cancer Investigation
|September 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Denileukin diftitox targets interleukin-2 receptor-expressing cells. This review updates its use in T-cell and B-cell malignancies, including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Denileukin diftitox (DAB(389)IL-2; Ontak) is a fusion protein targeting the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy and application of denileukin diftitox in treating T-cell and B-cell malignancies.
  • To update on the use of denileukin diftitox beyond its initial approval for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical studies and data on denileukin diftitox treatment.
  • Analysis of treatment outcomes in patients with T-cell and B-cell malignancies expressing the CD25 component of the IL-2 receptor.

Main Results:

  • Denileukin diftitox is approved for persistent or recurrent CTCL with CD25-expressing malignant cells.
  • Emerging data show activity in both T-cell and B-cell malignancies.

Conclusions:

  • Denileukin diftitox demonstrates therapeutic potential in a broader range of hematologic malignancies than initially indicated.
  • Further investigation into denileukin diftitox for B-cell malignancies is warranted.

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