High-dose systemic interleukin-2 therapy in stage IV neuroblastoma for one year after autologous bone marrow transplantation: Pilot study

N. Pardo, F. Martí, G. Fraga, J. Illa, I. Badell, M. Peiró, E. Bertran, J. García, F. Rueda, J. Cubells

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite intensified chemotherapy protocols, including autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT), stage IV neuroblastoma has a poor prognosis, and modern therapeutic trends are aimed at the eradication of minimal residual disease, which is thought to be the main factor leading to relapse. In this pilot study, we report the systemic administration of high doses of interleukin 2 after ABMT in four patients. Five day cycles of IL-2 at a dose of 18 x 106 IU/m2 day were administered at variable time intervals as frequent as it was necessary to maintain the levels of natural killer (NK) cytotoxic activity higher than the median control value (40 IU/ml blood) throughout 1 year from the start of first IL-2 treatment. After IL-2 infusion, NK and LAK activities increased significantly (median 742 x 10-1 LU/ml blood and 186.8 x 10-1 LU/ml blood, respectively). Toxicities were transient and no life threatening complications were observed. Fever, anorexia, skin rash and enlarged liver were always present. Anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, lymphocytosis and and eosinophilia occurred following most of the IL-2 courses. Although the small number of patients does not allow an estimation of the immunomodulatory-antineoplastic effects of IL-2, the results seem promising for the management of neuroblastoma patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)534-539
Number of pages6
JournalMedical and Pediatric Oncology
Volume27
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1996

Keywords

  • autologous bone marrow transplantation
  • interleukin 2
  • natural killer
  • neuroblastoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'High-dose systemic interleukin-2 therapy in stage IV neuroblastoma for one year after autologous bone marrow transplantation: Pilot study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this