Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Aldesleukin
IL-2 is used to treat metastaticThe term for a cancer that has spread beyond its point of origin. Metastatic disease is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths. kidney (renal) cancer and metastatic melanoma. IL-2 is administered into a vein (intravenously). It may be combined with other drugs. It is also being investigated for its use in treating some lymphomas and leukemias.1
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a naturally occurring proteinOne of the four basic types of biomolecule. Proteins are polymers made up of strings of amino acids. Proteins serve many functions in organisms including transport of molecules, structure, cell adhesion and as signaling molecules such as hormones. Many transcription factors, including p53 and Rb are proteins. that is normally made by the body in small amounts. It allows cells of the immune system to communicate with each other. The drug, Proleukin®, is a man-made version of IL-2. This drug works by activating cells of the immune system (T lymphocytes) to attack and kill cancer cells.1
The diagram above shows the 3D molecular structure of Interleukin-2 with its alpha receptor.
Interleukin-2 has a variety of side effects, including: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, sores in the mouth and throat, tiredness, weakness and dizziness.1
Patients need to have normal heart (cardiac) and lung (pulmonary) function as determined by a thallium stress test.
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