Patient Education
What is Interleukin?
High-dose Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an FDA-approved treatment for metastatic melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Since IL-2 is a naturally occurring protein in our bodies, it is also called "immunotherapy" or "biologic therapy". IL-2 can be made in large amounts in the laboratory and can be given to patients intravenously.
IL-2 works directly on cancer cells by interfering with how they grow and multiply. It stimulates the immune system to produce more Killer T-Cells and other cells that can attack and kill the cancer cells.
Approximately 15% of patients who receive therapy have either a complete or partial response to therapy with IL-2. Your doctor may be able to determine whether the tumors have shrunk within 2 months after your first course of IL-2 therapy.
Is IL-2 Right for Me?
This is a question that your physician will help you answer. For many it is the only chance for complete remission.
Your physician will discuss the risks and benefits of IL-2 treatment with you in detail so that you may make an informed decision to proceed.
Am I Eligible for IL-2?
There is no age limit for treatment with Interleukin-2. General health status is the primary eligibility factor.
- You must be able to walk on your own and have no limiting symptoms of your disease.
- You must have normal organ function that will be evaluated by blood work, tests to measure heart function, and tests to measure lung function.
- You must have no infections, inflammatory disease or autoimmmune disease.