In order to determine an optimum mode for systemic administration of recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL2) the effects of rIL2 on lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against renal carcinoma cells were studied in vitro. Augmentation of the cytotoxicity by rIL2 was dose- and time-dependent. The optimum dose of rIL2 was 100–500 units (Jurkat units)/ml, and cytotoxicity increased significantly even at a low concentration such as 4 units/ml. We thus chose daily administration of multiple repeated dose for inpatients. To prevent withdrawal from the therapy as a result of untolerable adverse effects, the daily dose was set at 1 × 106 units, and rIL2 was given to 12 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Two-hour intravenous drip infusions containing 5 × 105 units of rIL2 was given daily 2 times to inpatients and after at least 28 days of this mode of administration, subcutaneous injection at a dose of 1 × 106 units was given 6 days a week to outpatients. Three patients showed complete response, 7 patients no change, and 2 patients progressive disease. Serious adverse effects due to capillary leak syndrome were not observed. We conclude that low-dose rIL2 is safe and has potential antitumor effects.

Keywords:
Interleukin 2, Renal cell carcinoma, Natural killer activity, Lymphokine-activated killer activity
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© 1991 S. Karger AG, Basel
1991
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