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Cytokine combinations in immunotherapy for solid tumors: a review

  • Review
  • Cytokines, Immunotherapy, IL-2, IFN, TNF
  • Published:
Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The use of cytokines alone or in combination with other cytokines or cytotoxic drugs has had a profound effect upon widely metastatic disease in many cases. However, despite the encouraging results in early trials, there is much room for improvement. Few responses to these combinations are complete, and toxicity has in some cases been quite severe. Changes in dose, route, or schedule of administration of the drugs, or the development of cytokine analogs may lead to more efficacious and less toxic regimens. In addition, new cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-7 and IL-12 are currently under investigation for potential use in future immunotherapy trials. These prospects and the use of cytokine combinations are promising advances in the treatment of human cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of General Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 77030, Houston, TX, USA

    Keith M. Heaton & Elizabeth A. Grimm

  2. Department of Tumor Biology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe, Box 79, 77030, Houston, TX, USA

    Keith M. Heaton & Elizabeth A. Grimm

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Heaton, K.M., Grimm, E.A. Cytokine combinations in immunotherapy for solid tumors: a review. Cancer Immunol Immunother 37, 213–219 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01518513

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