Multiple pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma treated effectively by recombinant interleukin-2

A 53-year old male with multiple pulmonary metastases from a renal cell carcinoma was treated with high dose recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2). rIL-2 was administered intravenously, and the dose was gradually increased to a subsequent daily dosage of 3 x 10(6) units for a total amount of 470 x 10(6) units. After 3 months, plain chest film and chest computerized tomography revealed a remarkable reduction in pulmonary metastases. There were no side effects except general fatigue and fever. Immunological studies revealed an increase in lymphocytes and enhancement of natural killer activity. These results suggested that rIL-2 is effective for pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma.