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Intensive recombinant interleukin‐2 and alpha‐interferon therapy in patients with advanced head and neck squamous carcinoma
Author(s) -
Urba Susan G.,
Forastiere Arlene A.,
Wolf Gregory T.,
Amrein Philip C.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19930401)71:7<2326::aid-cncr2820710725>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck cancer , alpha interferon , head and neck , cancer , recombinant dna , interferon alfa , immune system , alpha (finance) , interferon , immunotherapy , oliguria , gastroenterology , oncology , surgery , immunology , patient satisfaction , biochemistry , chemistry , construct validity , renal function , gene
Background . Cellular immune deficiency is a consistent finding in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Interleukin‐2 and alpha‐interferon are modulators of the immune system. Methods . Eleven patients with recurrent head and neck cancer were treated in a Phase II study of recombinant human interleukin‐2 (rIL‐2) and alpha‐2a‐interferon (Roferon‐A, Hoffmann‐La Roche, Inc., Nutley, NJ). Each course consisted of rIL‐2, 3 × 10 6 U/m 2 /day, as a continuous intravenous infusion over 24 hours for 4 days, and recombinant alpha‐2a‐interferon, 5 × 10 6 Um 2 /day intramuscularly or subcutaneously daily for 4 days. This treatment was repeated weekly for 4 weeks, and then a second cycle was given after a 2‐week break. Results . Two patients (18%) achieved a partial response. Toxic effects were substantial. Three of 11 patients experienced Grade 3 hypotension, 3 patients had Grade 3 oliguria, and Grade 3 fatigue was one of the most common reasons for withdrawal from the study. There were no deaths or need for intensive care monitoring. Conclusions . In view of the 18% response rate, additional investigation of biologic therapy in advanced head and neck cancer is warranted.