IL-2/LAK cell treatment for advanced cancers with emphasis on a novel administration |
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Authors: | M L Auber J I DeHaven P C Raich J S Rogers E B Crowell P Romero E J Mahin J T Sosnowski D L Lamm |
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Affiliation: | Department of Medicine, West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown. |
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Abstract: | Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a substance produced by activated blood cells called helper T-lymphocytes and has been shown to stimulate the body's immune system. IL-2 may cause certain tumors to regress when administered intravenously to laboratory animals and humans. Lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells are white blood cells that have been stimulated with IL-2 in vitro. LAK cells are capable of killing tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo, especially when given along with IL-2. Although this form of treatment has been found to be effective in patients with certain cancers who no longer benefit from standard forms of therapy, the anti-cancer effects of IL-2/LAK cell treatment are limited by the serious, life-threatening side effects of high-dose intravenous administration, and by the high cost. A treatment program with low-dose, intralymphatically-administered LAK/IL-2 in patients with advanced cancer is a promising alternative which circumvents these major problems and concerns, while maintaining high response rates. |
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