Cytokines in cancer therapy

Cytokines are crucial factors in the activation and development of immune r esponse, including responses against tumor cells. Interleukin (IL)-2, a T-c ell growth factor, has been largely used to activate T and NK cells in vivo and to maintain such an activation for therapeutic purposes. When given to patients, IL-2 was shown to cause clinical responses, especially in metast atic melanoma and renal cancer patients, though its mechanism of action cou ld not be completely elucidated. Cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, GM-CSF) are also u sed as natural adjuvants of vaccines of various formulation to help in acti vating and maintaining an antitumor immune response. This review summarizes findings deriving from the use of cytokines in cancer therapy and provides insights into future approaches when a more appropriate use of cytokines, together with new vaccines, is likely to improve clinical outcome. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.