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What proportion of patients respond to therapy with high dose IL 2?
In a series of 259 patients treated at the NIH between 1986 and 2006, an overall RR of 20% was noted with IL-2 therapy. All patients who experienced a partial response (12%) were noted to relapse, with a median duration of response of 15.5 months. In contrast, 19 of 23 patients who experienced a complete response remained disease free with a median follow-up ranging between 24 and 221 months. This experience is representative of others, suggesting that while the complete response rate associated with high-dose IL-2 is relatively low, those patients who do develop a complete response may experience a durable remission.
What are some of the side effects of high dose IL 2 therapy?
The side effects of high-dose IL-2 weigh heavily in the risk-benefit discussion with the patient. High-dose IL-2 causes vasodilatation, diarrhea, and a capillary leak syndrome, all of which can contribute to hypotension and oliguria. Hematologic and hepatic laboratory abnormalities are also frequently seen with IL-2 therapy.
