LOW-DOSE RIL-2-INDUCED REMISSION OF DISSEMINATED CD30(-CELL LYMPHOMA THROUGH REINFORCEMENT OF PRESUMED T-CELL-MEDIATED TUMOR-CELL KILLING, COMPLICATED BY UNILATERAL DROWNING OF LYMPHOMA-INFILTRATED LUNG() ANAPLASTIC LARGE)

We report on the immune-oncologic analysis and treatment of a remarkab le case of disseminated CD30(+) anaplastic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Its clinical course was characterized by repeated spontaneous regressions , which were probably due to a T-cell-mediated anti-lymphoma immune re action, as tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes were consistently observed in sections of lymphoma lesions and found to express high-affinity re ceptors for interleukin-2 (IL-2). This marker may be particularly suit able to predict a response to low-dose recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2), as co nfirmed in this case by prompt lymphoma regression after regional rIL- 2 perfusion of a cutaneous lesion and by an impressive overall respons e to systemic rIL-2 treatment. Despite the very low dose of rIL-2, 600 ,000 IU/24 h as a continuous i.v. infusion, systemic treatment was com plicated by generalized capillary leakage and life-threatening unilate ral drowning of the lymphoma-infiltrated left lung.