CYTOKINE-BASED IMMUNOTHERAPY OF SOLID TUMORS (REVIEW)

In vitro studies and animal experiments have demonstrated the reality of physiological immune responses against tumors. Interleukin-2 was th e first immunological agent which demonstrated an anti-tumor effect by activating immune effecters. In vitro IL2 may generate lymphokine act ivated killer (LAK) cells from peripheral blood lymphocytes or tumor i nfiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) expanded from tumor. In melanoma and ren al cell carcinoma, IL2 alone, or associated with LAK cells or TIL, ind uces clinical responses. However, its clinical efficacy is associated with some toxicity related to a capillary leak syndrome. This implies an improvement in the selection of patients and in the understanding o f IL2 action. Future directions in immunotherapy include combination o f IL2 with other cytokines, monoclonal antibodies or chemotherapy. Cyt okine gene therapy is designed to introduce IL2 or other cytokine gene s into tumors to reduce systemic toxicity and to achieve high local cy tokine concentration. Animal models and the first human trials make th is approach promising.