Interleukin Treatment for Melanoma

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a treatment used for Stage III, Stage IV and recurrent melanoma. Its purpose is to generate more white blood cells, which boost the immune system. Doctors can combine IL-2 with interferon for immunotherapy. Surgery is often the first form of treatment for melanoma, and IL-2 and interferon can be a part of treatment after surgery.

Function

In Stage III melanoma, surgeons often remove the tumor, but if this is not possible, the doctor can inject IL-2 into the melanoma. In Stage IV melanoma, a small number of patients could respond favorably to IL-2, which could prolong their life expectancy. Doctors also sometimes combine low doses of IL-2 with interferon and temozolomide to treat Stage IV melanoma.

Significance

Interleukin-2 occurs naturally in the immune system as a cytokine, which is a messenger protein. Instead of directly killing tumors, IL-2 promotes the growth of T-cells and Natural Killer Cells, which the body uses to try to destroy cancer cells. If a patient undergoes surgery to remove a tumor, there is a chance of recurrence--in which case, IL-2 can become part of the regimen to treat (or, in some cases, eliminate) the cancer, or at least put it into a long remission.

Side Effects

IL-2 does have side effects, which can be severe, especially in the case of high doses. It can cause high toxicity in the cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, renal, hematologic and hepatic systems. It can also cause febrile neutropenia (a fever that occurs when white blood cell count is low) and sepsis. While the side effects of IL-2 may not make the patient feel better, they are manageable under a doctor's supervision.

Considerations

Those who may not be eligible for IL-2 treatment are patients who are too ill to get out of bed for long; require supplemental oxygen; have active brain metastasis; take steroids; or have heart, liver, lung, kidney or autoimmune diseases. Each case is different, though, so patients with the above conditions should consult their doctor to see if they could still be eligible for IL-2 treatment.

Administration

Doctors administer IL-2 via injection. Patients who are in and out of the hospital can inject themselves for treatment--in which case, they would make the injection under the skin. Patients who must remain in the hospital receive IL-2 intravenously, either through continuous infusion or (as is often the case with high doses) every few hours.