A phase II trial of interleukin-2 by continuous infusion and interferon by intramuscular injection in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Fifteen patients with advanced, measurable renal cell carcinoma entered a Phase II clinical trial of interleukin-2 (IL-2) (Teceleukin, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, NJ) and interferon (IFN) (Roferon A, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.). IL-2 was administered by continuous infusion daily for 4 days and IFN was administered by intramuscular injection daily for 4 days; therapy continued for 4 weeks. Eight men and seven women were treated in this trial (median age, 61 years). Toxicity was moderate to severe with fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and elevated blood urea nitrogen bunion and creatinine levels seen in all patients. Two patients achieved a complete remission and two patients achieved a partial remission. The median duration of response was 18 months. IL-2 and IFN is an active combination in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and warrants further investigation.