Abstract
During this phase I/II study, enodolymphatic cannulae were placed in the iliac lymphatics under general anaesthesia. IL2 was then infused via this route at escalating doses until the highest tolerated dose was achieved; then, continuous infusion was maintained for 2 to 3 weeks. Seven patients with advanced cancer (3 lymphoma, 4 melanoma), resistant to all other modalities of treatment received such therapy.
Most patients tolerated 4 to 5 × 106 u/day of IL2 for 2 to 3 weeks with less toxicity as compared to the equivalent dosage given intravenously. No severe perioperative morbidity was experienced. One melanoma patient had a minor clinical response. Changes in circulating lymphocyte numbers and cytotoxicity demonstrated a systemic effect of endolymphatic IL2 therapy.
Conclusions: The endolymphatic administration of IL2 is associated with less toxicity than the intravenous route but still achieves a systemic effect; a lower tumour burden may prove more responsive to this therapy.
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Galvani, D.W., Walton, I.S., Davies, J.M. et al. Endolymphatic delivery of IL2 in patients with melanoma and lymphoma. Biotherapy 4, 251–255 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02172654
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02172654