When it comes to fighting cancer, there are many options available to patients and their doctors. One of such options is recombinant human interleukin-2 or rhIL-2. This protein is produced by genetically modifying cells to produce large amounts of the cytokine IL-2. As a result, recombinant IL 2 therapy has been used to treat a variety of cancers, including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.
Though recombinant IL 2 is an effective treatment, it cannot be used the same way in all patients. In this article, we will discuss the best use of recombinant human IL-2 for the treatment of cancer.
What Is Recombinant Human Interleukin-2?
Recombinant human interleukin 2 is derived from Escherichia coli. It’s a secreted peptide necessary for T-cell proliferation. Recombinant human interleukin 2 is equivalent to full-length mature human interleukin-2. Recombinant IL-2 is a drug approved by the United States FDA for the treatment of malignant melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Further research is ongoing to check if the drug is effective for the treatment of other types of cancer. Currently, it is recognized as a treatment suitable for cancer patients that have not been treated before and for cancer patients that have recurring symptoms after initial cancer treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Recombinant Human Interleukin-2?
Recombinant human interleukin-2 is a powerful treatment that can offer significant benefits to those with cancer
According to recent studies, recombinant human interleukin-2 could help improve response rates and survival in patients with metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. In addition, it may also help improve the quality of life for those living with cancer. Recombinant IL-2 stimulates the activation of NK cells and T cells, thereby improving their anti-tumor activity. It also stimulates the proliferation of T cells to reduce inflammatory responses.
If you’re considering this treatment, be sure to discuss all your options with your oncologist.
How Best Can Recombinant Human Interleukin-2 Be Used to Treat Cancer?
There are a few different ways that recombinant human interleukin-2 (RHIL-2) can be used to treat cancer. Here are some of the most common methods:
Intravenous infusion
This is the most common way to administer RHIL-2. A small tube is inserted into a vein in your arm, and the drug is slowly pumped in over a period. With intravenous IV treatment, the drug can be given in higher doses, and the patient will be monitored closely in the hospital.
Subcutaneous injection
Subcutaneous Recombinant IL-2 injections are injected into the fatty tissues under the skin layer. When applying recombinant IL-2 subcutaneously, the drug is given in low doses. This type of treatment is suitable for outpatients either during an appointment at the doctor’s office or the patient’s home. The precise doses of Recombinant IL-2 are administered based on the patient’s body weight.
Intralesional injection
This involves injecting RHIL-2 directly into the tumor tissue using a very fine needle.
With any of these methods, premedication is recommended to reduce the risk of infusion reactions such as nausea, fever, low blood pressure, and others.
How Effective Is Recombinant Human Interleukin-2 at Treating Cancer?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the effectiveness of recombinant human interleukin-2 at treating cancer will vary from person to person. However, clinical trials have shown that recombinant human interleukin-2 can be very effective in some cases, with around 50% of people responding positively to treatment.
While the response rate is lower for some cancers, such as melanoma, recombinant human interleukin-2 can be very successful in treating other cancers such as renal cell carcinoma and metastatic breast cancer.
Are There Any Other Uses for Recombinant Human Interleukin-2?
There are a few other uses for recombinant human interleukin-2 outside of cancer treatment. Some studies suggest that it could help improve the symptoms of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
In addition, recombinant human interleukin-2 has been used experimentally to treat conditions like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Again, more research is needed to determine if this is an effective treatment option.
In conclusion, there is no one “right” way to use recombinant human interleukin-2 in cancer treatment. Some doctors believe that high doses of the drug are most effective, while others prescribe lower doses and cycle the therapy. It is important to discuss your treatment options with a qualified oncologist to find the best way to use recombinant human interleukin-2 for your cancer.