[Cytokines in tumor therapy]

In cases of hairy cell leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and in benign larynx papilloma, interferon alpha has proved to be a valuable therapeutic principle. Regarding most malignant diseases, however, we are still at the beginning of the therapeutic application of cytokines. New therapeutic strategies include the combination of cytokines together with cytotoxic substances, the combination of in vitro activated T-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells together with cytokines, and, finally, the application of cytokine cocktails. Based on presently performed clinical studies, a slight optimism might be justified with regard to the development of new therapeutic modalities for Hodgkin's disease as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and solid tumors.