The following are less common (occurring in 10 to 29%) side effects for patients taking Interleukin-2:
- Respiratory congestion or breathing difficulty (see lung problems).
- Itching
- Low blood counts (low white blood cells)
- Mouth sores
- Poor appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or loss
- Infection
- Irregular heartbeats (see heart problems).
- Dizziness.
- Dry or peeling skin (see skin reactions)
What are the side effects of interleukin-2?
A serious, but very uncommon side effect of Interleukin-2 in high doses is "capillary leak syndrome" or "vascular leak syndrome." Capillary leak syndrome is a potentially serious disease in which fluids within the vascular system (veins and capillaries) leaks into the tissue outside the bloodstream.
How does interleukin-2 work to treat cancer?
Interleukin-2 works by: Blocking the reproduction and spread of cancer cells. Stimulating the development of white blood cells that attack cancer. Causing cancer cells to release chemicals that attract cancer-killing immune system cells.
What are the long term effects of IL-2 treatment?
For up to several months after IL-2 treatment has ended, patients may have a reaction to the iodine-containing contrast material used for CT scans. These reactions may include fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, itching, rash, diarrhea or swelling.
What are interleukin inhibitors?
Interleukin inhibitors are immunosuppressive agents that inhibit the action of interleukins. Interleukins are a group of cytokines (secreted proteins in response to infection) synthesized by white blood cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages).
What are the risks of interleukins?
The following are less common (occurring in 10 to 29%) side effects for patients taking Interleukin-2:Respiratory congestion or breathing difficulty (see lung problems).Itching.Low blood counts (low white blood cells)Mouth sores.Poor appetite.Fatigue.Weight gain or loss.Infection.More items...
How does the treatment of interleukins work?
Interleukin-2 works by: Blocking the reproduction and spread of cancer cells. Stimulating the development of white blood cells that attack cancer. Causing cancer cells to release chemicals that attract cancer-killing immune system cells.
What are the side effects of interleukin-2?
Side effects of IL-2 can include flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, fatigue, and confusion. Some have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Many people develop low blood pressure, which can be treated with other medicines.
Is IL-2 cancer treatment toxic?
IL-2 toxicity can manifest in multiple organ systems, most significantly the heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system. The most common manifestation of IL-2 toxicity is capillary leak syndrome, resulting in a hypovolemic state and fluid accumulation in the extravascular space.
Is interleukin-2 chemotherapy?
It is also known as interleukin 2 (IL-2) or by its brand name Proleukin. It is a treatment for kidney cancer that has spread to another part of the body (advanced kidney cancer). It is also used in clinical trials for other types of cancer.
What drugs are interleukins?
Interleukin InhibitorsAdbry.benralizumab.bimekizumab.brodalumab.Cinqair.Cosentyx.dupilumab.Dupixent.More items...
What medication has a side effect of cytokine release syndrome?
CRS can be triggered by infections or be associated with drugs such as monoclonal antibodies (e.g., rituximab), conventional chemotherapy, and immunotherapies with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells (Shimabukuro-Vornhagen et al., 2018).
What interleukin means?
(in-ter-LOO-kin) One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. Interleukins regulate immune responses. Interleukins made in the laboratory are used as biological response modifiers to boost the immune system in cancer therapy.
Do cytokines make you feel sick?
During the first stages of cytokine therapy, all patients usually develop a full-blown episode of sickness behavior, characterized by the symptoms of fever, malaise, anorexia, pain, and fatigue.
Why is interleukin administration a promising therapy for cancer?
Interleukin-2. IL-2 is viewed as a key cytokine in promoting the expansion of natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocytes. Thus, it is widely used in protocols of adoptive transfer for both expanding lymphocytes in culture and increasing the persistence of transferred cells in cancer patients.
How much does interleukin-2 cost?
CHIRON/CETUS' PROLEUKIN (IL-2) THERAPY WILL COST $6,000-$8,000 PER COURSE, based on the average use of 30-35 vials per therapeutic cycle for adults with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, Chiron said May 5 following FDA's approval of human recombinant interleukin-2 (aldesleukin).
Is Interleukin-2 FDA approved?
High-dose bolus interleukin-2 (IL-2) was granted US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1992 based on its ability to produce durable complete responses (CRs) in a small number of patients. Unfortunately, the toxicity, expense, and restricted accessibility of high-dose IL-2 make it a poor standard therapy.
What is IL-2 for melanoma?
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) for metastatic melanoma is one of a few treatment options approved for the disease. Melanoma that has spread beyond the skin to distant organs is called "metastatic" (or stage IV) melanoma. The treatment options for metastatic melanoma have expanded dramatically in the last five to eight years, ...
What are the side effects of a syringe?
Many of the side effects are due to "capillary leak," which begins immediately after treatment is started. Capillary leak results in the leakage of fluid and proteins out of blood that then causes a decrease in blood pressure. The most common side effects are as follows: 1 Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite 2 Weakness and fatigue 3 Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache and muscle aches) 4 Low blood pressure 5 General pain, chest pain (angina) 6 Breathing problems due to fluid in the lungs 7 Weight gain, fluid retention 8 Mental effects (paranoia, hallucinations, insomnia) 9 Itching, peeling skin 10 Anemia (low red blood cell count) 11 Low platelet count (increasing the risk of bleeding) 12 Low white blood cell count 13 Kidney damage 14 Mouth sores
What are the side effects of Capillary Leak?
The most common side effects are as follows: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite. Weakness and fatigue. Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache and muscle aches) Low blood pressure.
How long does it take to get IL-2?
IL-2 is given by a 15-minute IV infusion every eight hours for five days. Each treatment course consists of two five-day treatment cycles separated by a nine-day rest period, and multiple courses are the norm. You will typically be imaged about a month after finishing your first treatment. If you are responding, you'll likely be offered a second course of treatment for six to 12 weeks after finishing the first course. To be eligible for IL-2 treatment, you must be in relatively good physical condition, with good heart, lung, liver, and kidney function.
Does IL-2 come from the body?
The IL-2 used to treat metastatic melanoma doesn't come from the body but rather is mass produced, using the techniques of genetic engineering. It has the same properties as the natural version, but it has a slightly different name, aldesleukin.
Does IL-2 make other drugs worse?
IL-2 can make the side effects of other drugs and diseases much worse, so tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Is IL-2 safe for brain metastases?
Responses were observed in patients with a variety of metastases, including in the lung, liver, lymph nodes, soft tissue, adrenal glands and subcutaneous (deep) layers of the skin. IL-2, however, is not recommended for patients with existing brain metastases.
How does interleukin work?
Interleukin inhibitors work by targeting cytokines that act as chemical signals between the white blood cells in response to an invading infection. They suppress the activity of these cytokines, thus suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation.
HOW ARE INTERLEUKIN INHIBITORS USED?
Interleukin inhibitors are used to treat a variety of conditions including:
What are the side effects of IL-2?
The following are common (occurring in greater than 30%) side effects for patients taking IL-2: Fever and chills or flu-like symptoms. The severity decreases over time, particularly in low-dose regimens. Generalized flushing (redness) of the face and body, or skin rash.
How often is IL-2 given?
The high-dose regimen involves giving the drug intravenously (into a vein) every eight hours, as tolerated, for up to 15 doses.
What is the trade name for IL-2?
IL-2. Generic name: Aldesleukin. Trade name: Proleukin ®. Other names: Interleukin-2. Proleukin ® is the trade name for the generic drug name Aldesleukin. IL-2 and Interleukin-2 are other names for Aldesleukin. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Proleukin ® or other names IL-2 and Interleukin-2 when referring to ...
What happens if your blood count is low?
Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease in number. This can put you at increased risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding.
What is the drug type of IL-2?
Drug type : IL-2 is a "biologic response modifier." IL-2 is classified as a "cytokine." (For more detail, see "How this drug works" section below).
Can you take aspirin with Aldesleuken?
Do not take aspirin, or products containing aspirin, unless your doctor permits this.
Is there a relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication?
There is no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication
What Is Interleukin-2?
Interleukin-2 (IL-2), also known as aldesleukin or PROLEUKIN®, is an immunotherapy treatment for people with advanced and metastatic melanoma.
How Is Interleukin-2 Given?
Patients receive the drug intravenously (into a blood vein) via infusion in a treatment course of two cycles:
How does IL-2 work?
IL-2 works as a systemic treatment to: Shrink melanoma tumors. Kill melanoma cells. As an immunotherapy, IL-2 stimulates your immune system, which has an immunological “memory.”. That means that IL-2 may help your immune system continue to attack melanoma cells even after your treatment ends. Physicians now have extensive experience ...
What is the difference between immunotherapy and interleukin-2?
Immunotherapy is cancer treatment that stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer, such as melanoma. Interleukin-2 is systemic therapy, which means that the treatment reaches all parts of your body through the bloodstream. Systemic cancer treatments fight advanced and metastatic cancers, which have spread to other parts of the body.
What is IL-2 used for?
IL-2 used for melanoma therapy is manufactured into a product called aldesleukin, a drug used to boost the immune system to fight cancer cells.
What is adjuvant therapy?
Find out more about adjuvant therapy, which is treatment after surgery for people with high-risk melanoma ( stages IIB, IIC, III and IV).
When was IL-2 approved?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved IL-2 in 1998 to treat patients with stage IV (metastatic) melanoma. In stage IV melanoma, cancer cells have spread to organs and other parts of the body.
What organ system is affected by IL-2?
IL-2 toxicity can manifest in multiple organ systems, most significantly the heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system . The most common manifestation of IL-2 toxicity is capillary leak syndrome, resulting in a hypovolemic state and fluid accumulation in the extravascular space.
Is IL-2 toxic?
High-dose IL-2 is associated with significant morbidity; however, the incidence and severity of toxicities have decreased as clinicians have gained experience with this agent and implemented toxicity prevention and management strategies. IL-2 toxicity can manifest in multiple organ systems, most significantly the heart, lungs, kidneys, ...
Is interleukin 2 toxic?
Managing toxicities of high-dose interleukin-2. Although high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2, Proleukin), a highly toxic agent used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and melanoma, was initially associated with treatment-related mortality, it can, in the appropriate setting, be administered safely.
What are the toxicities of IL-2?
IL-2 administration causes a broad range of cardiopulmonary toxicities, with hypotension, tachycardia, and dyspnea being the most common. [1] Hypotension and tachycardia often develop within 2 hours of the first dose, progressing in severity as therapy continues. [8] Hypotension usually reverses within 48 hours after IL-2 discontinuation. [8] The results of early clinical trials show that high-dose IL-2 produced grade 3/4 hypotension requiring vasopressor support in up to 81% of patients. [5] A more recent study shows that only 31% of patients required vasopressor support.
Why is IL-2 toxicity decreasing?
NCI’s 12-year data show that the toxicity of IL-2 decreased because of more strict patient selection criteria and toxicity management guidelines. [5] Since high-dose IL-2 may cause severe and acute toxicity, it should be administered in an inpatient medical oncology unit proximate to, or in, an intensive care unit. [29]
What is the best solution for IL-2?
The results of one trial suggested that crystalloid and colloidal solutions are equally effective for replacing intravascular volume, but the lower cost of crystalloid solutions made it the fluid of choice. [18] Colloidal solutions, however, are still advocated by some clinicians to maximize intravascular volume. [10] Vasopressor support with phenylephrine is a very effective treatment for IL-2-induced hypotension, but generally requires administration in an intensive care unit. Doses of phenylephrine greater than 2.5 µg/kg/min are rarely needed. [11] Vasopressor support with dopamine is not recommended because this agent may precipitate arrhythmias if doses greater than 5 µg/kg/min are used; however, low-dose dopamine, 2 to 5 µg/kg/min, is often given before or concomitantly with phenylephrine to improve renal perfusion and urine output. [8,10,11]
How long does it take for IL-2 to reverse?
[8] Hypotension usually reverses within 48 hours after IL-2 discontinuation. [8] The results of early clinical trials show that high-dose IL-2 produced grade 3/4 hypotension requiring vasopressor support in up to 81% of patients. [5] A more recent study shows that only 31% of patients required vasopressor support.
Why do I get fever after IL-2?
Although steroids can block the induction of TNF-a, their use is contraindicated during IL-2 therapy because steroids block immune system activation and IL-2 antitumor activity. [10] Further, as fever is commonly observed in patients receiving high-dose IL-2, it is most effectively prevented and managed with antipyretics before and during therapy. Administering acetaminophen before the first IL-2 dose and every 4 hours until 24 hours after the last IL-2 dose within a cycle is universally advocated. [8,10] The addition of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as indomethacin, to this antipyretic regimen has also been advocated. [8,10] Other clinicians believe that NSAIDs should be used with caution because of their potential to exacerbate gastritis and further impair renal blood flow in patients with renal manifestations of capillary leak syndrome. [15] Malignant hyperthermia related to IL-2 therapy has been associated with one death. [8]
How long does it take for a chill to develop after taking IL-2?
Chills, fever, and malaise are among the most common and predictable adverse events associated with high-dose IL-2. Typically, chills develop within 1 to 2 hours of the first or second dose and are treated with repeated doses of meperidine and warm blankets.
How does IL-2 cause capillary leak syndrome?
IL-2 toxicity is mediated through lymphoid infiltration, a well-described capillary leak syndrome, and the local effects of secondary cytokines. [8] The complex mechanism of action whereby IL-2 induces capillary leak syndrome is postulated to involve a series of steps, including induction of circulating cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-a) and other interleukins; generation of complement-activation products; neutrophil activation; and activation of endothelial-cell antigens. [8] After IL-2 administration, induced cytokines are released, leading to increased capillary permeability and decreased vascular resistance, which results in a shift of fluid from the bloodstream into the extravascular space. This fluid shift ultimately leads to a hypovolemic state and excessive fluid in the extravascular space. Capillary leak syndrome-associated fluid accumulation in the extravascular spaces may manifest as generalized edema, weight gain, pulmonary congestion, pleural effusions, and ascites. [8] Capillary leak syndrome-associated hypovolemia may cause decreased blood flow to the kidneys, gut, heart, and brain, resulting in oliguria, ischemia, and confusion. Usually, capillary leak syndrome affects more than one organ system simultaneously, contributing to the toxicity often observed in patients receiving high-dose IL-2. The release of cytokines after IL-2 administration has also been implicated as the cause of flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, myalgias, and arthralgias.
What are the side effects of a syringe injection?
dizziness. pain, redness, or swelling at the point of injection. loss or thinning of hair. reduced appetite and weight loss. breathlessness and pale skin. being more likely to bruise and bleed. being more likely to pick up an infection. exhaustion and weakness.
How many people have rare side effects?
Rare side effects affect less than 1 percent of people. They include:
How many different types of interferon are there?
There are three basic forms of interferon. These are alpha and beta, also known as type 1, while gamma is known as type 2. Each form of interferon has different effects on the body.
What is the role of interferon in the immune system?
When interferon is released, it sets off a series of reactions in nearby cells to help them defend against the infection. Interferon is, therefore, a critical part of the immune system.
Where is interferon given?
Interferon is usually given by injection underneath the skin of the thigh or belly. The drug may also be given through a drip.
Can interferon cause depression?
Depression is a serious and common side effect of interferon treatment. One of the common and potentially most serious side effects of treatment with interferon is depression. The review found that using antidepressants along with interferon might be helpful in staving off bouts of depression.
Can interferon be reversed?
Male infertility from interferon might be reversed after some months or years. However, female infertility will usually be a result of the drug triggering early menopause. As such, it will be permanent.
Interleukin-2
Evidence For The Effectiveness of Interleukin-2
- In the studies that led to approval, 6% of selected patients (those in good physical and mental condition) with metastatic melanoma had a complete response to high-dose IL-2, and 10% had a partial response. A complete response is defined the disappearance of all evidence of the disease. Responses were observed in patients with a variety of metastases, including in the lung…
Use of Interleukin-2
- IL-2 is given by a 15-minute IV infusion every eight hours for five days. Each treatment course consists of two five-day treatment cycles separated by a nine-day rest period, and multiple courses are the norm. You will typically be imagedabout a month after finishing your first treatment. If you are responding, you'll likely be offered a second course of treatment for six to 1…
Potential Side Effects
- IL-2 has frequent, often serious and sometimes fatal side effects. It should be given in a hospital under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of anticancer agents. An intensive care facility and specialists skilled in cardiopulmonary or intensive care medicine must be available. The rate of drug-related deaths in clinical trials of metastatic melan…
Cautions/Interactions
- IL-2 can make the side effects of other drugs and diseases much worse, so tell your healthcare provider if you have: 1. Kidney problems 2. Heart disease 3. Liver disease 4. Lung disease 5. A seizure disorder 6. Thyroid disorder 7. Infections 8. Any allergies 9. Any immune disorders Also let your healthcare provider know about any over-the-counter o...