A new approach to cancer treatment has been developed based on the adoptive transfer of activated lymphocytes into cancer patients. Lymphocytes harvested from patients by leukapheresis are converted into lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells by incubation with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2). These LAK cells are then infused back into the patients in combination with intravenous IL-2. Among 25 patients treated with this form of adoptive immunotherapy there were 11 patients with measurable tumor reductions, including 1 complete responder. The majority of responses occurred in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, melanoma and colorectal carcinoma. The toxicities of IL-2, including fluid retention and pulmonary edema, limit therapy, and laboratory investigation is now aimed toward understanding the mechanism of IL-2 toxicity. The use of LAK cells and IL-2 in cancer therapy is still in a developmental stage and needs to be refined before its role can be definitely established

Keywords:
Adoptive immunotherapy, Interleukin-2, Lymphokine-activated killer cells
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1987 S. Karger AG, Basel
1987
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.