Intra-lesional interleukin-2 therapy for in transit melanoma

J Surg Oncol. 2014 Mar;109(4):327-31. doi: 10.1002/jso.23556. Epub 2014 Jan 22.

Abstract

Intra-lesional interleukin-2 (IL-2) is effective in treating in transit melanoma metastases. Results from multiple studies were examined to evaluate the efficacy of IL-2 for in transit disease. In the published literature, complete response ranged from 0% to 69% per patient, and 41% to 96% per lesion, with excellent tolerability. Combining the results of six studies show complete response in 50% of patients and 78% of lesions. Intra-lesional IL-2 should be considered early in the course of treatment for in transit disease, ahead of other, more toxic therapies.

Keywords: in-transit melanoma; interleukin-2; intra-lesional; melanoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Injections, Intralesional
  • Interleukin-2 / administration & dosage*
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Neoplasm Metastasis

Substances

  • Interleukin-2