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Intensive recombinant interleukin-2 and alpha-interferon therapy in patients with advanced head and neck squamous
S G Urba1, A A Forastiere, G T Wolf
1Division of Oncology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109.
Background:
Cellular immune deficiency is a consistent finding in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Interleukin-2 and alpha-interferon are modulators of the immune system.
Methods:
Eleven patients with recurrent head and neck cancer were treated in a Phase II study of recombinant human interleukin-2 (rIL-2) and alpha-2a-interferon (Roferon-A, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, NJ). Each course consisted of rIL-2, 3 x 10(6) U/m2/day, as a continuous intravenous infusion over 24 hours for 4 days, and recombinant alpha-2a-interferon, 5 x 10(6) U/m2/day intramuscularly or subcutaneously daily for 4 days. This treatment was repeated weekly for 4 weeks, and then a second cycle was given after a 2-week break.
Results:
Two patients (18%) achieved a partial response. Toxic effects were substantial. Three of 11 patients experienced Grade 3 hypotension, 3 patients had Grade 3 oliguria, and Grade 3 fatigue was one of the most common reasons for withdrawal from the study. There were no deaths or need for intensive care monitoring.
Conclusions:
In view of the 18% response rate, additional investigation of biologic therapy in advanced head and neck cancer is warranted.