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Low‐dose recombinant interleukin‐2 therapy in advanced multiple myeloma
Author(s) -
Peest Dietrich,
Leo Regine,
Bloche Sabine,
Hein Reinhard,
StannatKiessling Sabine,
Tschechne Barbara,
Fett Werner,
Harms Peter,
Hoffmann Lutz,
Bartl Reiner,
Wacker HansHeinrich,
Gourg Siegfried,
Atzpodien Jens,
Kirchner Hartmut,
Deicher Helmuth
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1995.tb03308.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cd8 , chemotherapy , interleukin 2 , multiple myeloma , aldesleukin , immune system , il 2 receptor , immunology , immunotherapy , lymphokine , gastroenterology , t cell
Summary.In vitro data have demonstrated autologous T‐lymphocytes with anti‐tumour activity in multiple myeloma (MM). Therefore a phase I/II trial was conducted to study the feasibility, the effect on several immunological parameters, and the tumour response induction of low‐dose recombinant interleukin‐2 (rIL‐2) in MM patients. 18 MM patients of advanced stages in progress, who had failed on standard chemotherapy received 9 × 10 6 IU/m 2 rIL‐2 twice daily on days 1 and 2 and 0.9 × 10 6 IU/m 2 twice daily for 5 subsequent days per week subcutaneously from days 3 to 56 (repeated every 12 weeks until progression). Patients were treated for between 8 and 1086+d (mean 241 d) without serious side‐effects. 6/17 patients experienced tumour response (2/17 objective tumour mass reduction, 4/17 long‐lasting stable disease following tumour progression before initiation of rIL‐2 treatment). During therapy the number of eosinophils increased 15‐fold, CD4 + T lymphocytes were activated as demonstrated by enhanced CD25 antigen expression, and CD56 + NK cells expanded in the peripheral blood. Furthermore, a diminished pre‐treatment ratio of CD4 + /CD8 + lymphocytes was normalized during rIL‐2 treatment. NK cell activity and lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cell activity was significantly enhanced. Endogenous IL‐2 production and elevated soluble IL‐2 receptor serum concentrations were induced. Low‐dose rIL‐2 can stimulate immune enhancement in MM despite the characteristic tumour‐induced immunodeficiency. The treatment has proven though limited efficacy in advanced MM. Because most of the responders experienced termination of tumour progression rather than tumour regression. rIL‐2 maintenance of chemotherapy‐induced remissions should be investigated.