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Kidney (Renal) Cancer treatment details. Immunotherapy.

Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Medical Oncology Department, Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale , Lyon Cedex , France.

Survival: monthsCountry:France
Toxiciy Grade:4City/State/Province:Lyon Cedex
Treatments:ImmunotherapyHospital:Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Medical Oncology Department, Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale
Drugs:Journal:Link
Date:Sep 2008

Description:

Patients: This study involved 155 patients with metastatic renal cell (kidney) cancer. The median age was 55, ranging from 25 to 74 years old. The majority of patients were men (82%).

Treatment: Patients were treated with immunological therapy, substances that exist in the body normally and influence the immune system function. Patients were given interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-alpha (IFN-a). About half of the patients received IL-2 intravenously (through a vein), and the others received the IL-2 through an injection beneath the skin (subcutaneous).

Toxicity: Grade 3 and 4 toxicities occurred in 85.9% of the patients receiving the intravenous IL-2, and in 74.4% of the patients receiving the subcutaneous IL-2. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities included fever (without infection), hypotension (low blood pressure), vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, neurological toxicity, anxiety, and increased creatinine levels.

Results: The median overall survival was 33 months for all patients. For those receiving the intravenous IL-2, the median survival was 37.7 months, and for those receiving IL-2 subcutaneously, it was 30.1 months. There was not a statistically significant difference between survival in the two treatment groups.

Support: This study was supported by research funds from Roche France and Chiron France.

Correspondence: Dr. Sylvia Negrier



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