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Levamisole and interleukin-2 for advanced malignancy
R F Holcombe1, A Li, R M Stewart
1Department of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology and the Center for Excellence in Cancer Research, Treatment and Education, LSU Medical Center, Shreveport, LA, USA. rholcomb@uci.edu
Biotherapy (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
|February 9, 1999
Summary
Levamisole (LMS) combined with interleukin-2 (IL2) showed limited clinical success in advanced cancers. While LMS temporarily reduced immune-suppressing sIL2R levels, the combination did not improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunotherapy
- Cancer Treatment
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Interleukin-2 (IL2) and levamisole (LMS) are immune modulators with potential anti-tumor activity.
- IL2 stimulates T-cells and NK cells; LMS boosts NK and T-cell activity.
- Previous studies showed LMS efficacy with 5FU in Stage III colon cancer.
Observation:
- Four patients with advanced malignancies received weekly LMS followed by IL2.
- Serum soluble IL2 receptor (sIL2R) and interferon-gamma were monitored.
- All patients experienced disease progression; toxicity was minimal.
Findings:
- sIL2R levels increased over time in 3/4 patients, indicating sustained immune stimulation.
- Short-term LMS treatment significantly decreased sIL2R levels (p=0.001).
- The LMS/IL2 combination was not clinically effective at the tested dose and schedule.
Implications:
- LMS may enhance IL2 efficacy by reducing inhibitory sIL2R levels.
- Further investigation of LMS/IL2 combinations as synergistic anti-cancer agents is warranted.
- The study highlights the complex interplay of immune modulators in cancer therapy.
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