Therapeutic strategies for cytokines

Cytokines have now entered the clinical arena as important mediators of the immune system and the hematopoietic system. The interleukins (ILs) in clinical trials as anticancer agents at this time include IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-12. Other cytokines with demonstrated anticancer activity include the interferons and tumor necrosis factor. The complexity of this system is gradually being understood, and the clinical efficacy of these agents is being developed. This review is an update of the status of several of these agents in clinical investigations.