Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
08:49

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

Published on: May 18, 2018

Treatment of malignant melanoma with interleukin-2

P A Philip1, L Flaherty

  • 1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. 48201, USA.

Seminars in Oncology
|February 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) was an early cancer immunotherapy for melanoma. Studies show rIL-2 alone has limited response rates, and adding immune cells like LAK cells does not improve outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) pioneered systemic immunomodulation for cancer treatment.
  • Metastatic malignant melanoma therapy has explored rIL-2 as a treatment option.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of single-agent rIL-2 therapy in metastatic melanoma.
  • To assess the impact of co-administering lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells with rIL-2.

Main Methods:

  • Review of initial reports and subsequent studies on rIL-2 therapy for metastatic melanoma.
  • Analysis of response rates with single-agent rIL-2 versus combination therapy with LAK cells.

Main Results:

  • Single-agent rIL-2 therapy demonstrated objective response rates of 15% to 20%, with some durable responses.
  • Coadministration of LAK cells, generated ex vivo with rIL-2, did not enhance response rates compared to single-agent rIL-2.
  • Optimal dosing and scheduling for rIL-2-based therapy remain controversial.

Conclusions:

  • rIL-2 represents an early but limited approach to melanoma immunotherapy.
  • The addition of LAK cells does not appear to improve therapeutic outcomes in this context.
  • Predictive immunologic markers for response to rIL-2 therapy are currently lacking.

More Related Videos

Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine09:15

Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine

Published on: February 24, 2023

Minimally Invasive Isolated Limb Perfusion (MI-ILP) for Locally Advanced Melanomas and Sarcomas of the Extremity09:38

Minimally Invasive Isolated Limb Perfusion (MI-ILP) for Locally Advanced Melanomas and Sarcomas of the Extremity

Published on: January 31, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.