Abstract
Background
Recombinant interleukin-2(rIL-2) therapy in metastatic melanoma is limited by toxicities, particularly vascular leak syndrome(VLS). Taurolidine potentiates the anti-neoplastic effects of IL-2 while reducing its associated endothelial cell dysfunction in experimental settings. We hypothesized that co-administration of rIL-2 with taurolidine could enhance tolerability without weakening effectiveness.
Methods
Eleven patients with progressive metastatic melanoma received high-dose rIL-2 with co-infusion of taurolidine. Patients were monitored for the development of toxicities and evidence of response.
Results
Ten patients tolerated twenty-nine courses of high-dose rIL-2 without dose-reduction. Most toxicities were low-grade. No patient developed VLS. Seven patients died from disease progression. Two had complete clinical and radiological responses to treatment. Two patients remain alive despite evidence of disease progression a mean of 175 months after diagnosing metastatic disease.
Conclusion
Co-administration of taurolidine with high-dose rIL-2 in stage IV melanoma patients appears to greatly enhance the tolerability of this regime without diminishing its therapeutic value.
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O’Brien, G.C., Cahill, R.A., Bouchier-Hayes, D.J. et al. Co-immunotherapy with interleukin-2 and taurolidine for progressive metastatic melanoma. Ir J Med Sci 175, 10–14 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03168992
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03168992