(ATDN) Interleukin-2


(ATDN) Interleukin-2

Treatment Review No. 10; March 1994

Interleukin-2 or IL-2 is a substance the body makes that controls the growth and function of many types of cells. Some of these cells make chemical messengers called cytokines. Cytokines help fight off infection. High-dose recombinant IL-2 reduces tumors in diseases like melanoma (skin cancer) and renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). Side effects can include severe heart and lung problems. The same treatment is being tried now against KS, an infection associated with cytokines. Although promising, the potential side effects here too are great. Some cytokines boost T-cell immunity and others activate HIV, producing cancers like KS.

IL-2 Study for HIV

A study of IL-2 is being done at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. The trial will study IL-2 in combination with an antiretroviral for the treatment of HIV infection. Participants will take either AZT, ddI, or ddC, which will be provided by the NIH. All antiretrovirals are pills. Everyone will be in the hospital every eight weeks for approximately one week. IL-2 will be given by shot once a day for five days. Participants will be seen in clinic four weeks after each period in the hospital. The study will continue for approximately 6 months. To participate in this study, you must be HIV+ with a T4 cell count of more than 200. You cannot have a history of any opportunistic infection or a malignancy (cancer) other than KS on the skin. You may not have had any prior treatment with IL-2, or chemotherapy or other experimental treatments within one month of starting the study.

IL-2 Study for KS

Another study for IL-2 is also being done at the NIH. This trial will study IL-2 for the treatment of KS. This trial has the same requirements as the one for HIV infection but lasts for 14 months. The IL-2 is given by continuous infusion for five days. Participants will be seen in clinic four weeks after each infusion. If you are interested in these trials, call The Network. A number of different companies are developing their own formulation of IL-2. One, called proleukin, is currently FDA approved as a treatment for renal (kidney) cell carcinoma. A one-year study that started in April of 1993 is looking at proleukin in combination with AZT, ddI or ddC to see its effect on T4 cell counts. Correct dosage of the drug in treatment for HIV is still unknown. Those interested in proleukin therapy should discuss the options with their doctors.

IL-2 Study for TB

Another IL-2 study is for the treatment of tuberculosis that is resistant to INH. INH is a standard treatment for TB. This is a Phase I dose escalating study. IL-2 is a shot. Injections will be given every twelve hours. The study is taking place at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City.


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This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1994. AEGIS.