Low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 and low-dose cyclophosphamide in metastatic breast cancer

• Published in: Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy 1992-11, Vol.34 (6), p.424-426
• Main Authors: SPICER, D. V, KELLEY, A, HERMAN, R, DEAN, G, STEVENSON, L, MITCHELL, M. S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Antineoplastic agents; Biological and medical sciences; Breast Neoplasms - drug therapy; Breast Neoplasms - secondary; Breast Neoplasms - therapy; Combined treatments (chemotherapy of immunotherapy associated with an other treatment); Cyclophosphamide - therapeutic use; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Evaluation; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy; Interleukin-2 - therapeutic use; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Recombinant Proteins - therapeutic use; Short Communication; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory - drug effects
• ISSN: 0340-7004; 1432-0851
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01741755

We undertook a preliminary study to examine the response rate of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) in patients with advanced measurable breast cancer, in a phase II clinical trial. The regimen we utilized was designed to allow outpatient administration. A treatment cycle consisted of low-dose cyclophosphamide (350 mg/m2) given on day -3 followed by the bolus administration of rIL-2 (3.6 x 10(6) Cetus units/m2) on days 1-5, and 8-12. Toxicity was significant but acceptable. One partial remission was seen in 13 evaluable patients. In 2 additional patients clear evidence of an antitumor response was observed. The study was terminated prematurely owing to a shortage of rIL-2. Additional evaluation of rIL-2 in breast cancer appears warranted.