A literature analysis of prognostic factors for response and quality of response of patients with renal cell carcinoma to interleukin-2-based therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize prognostic factors for response of advanced renal cell carcinoma to interleukin-2-based regimens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data compiled from 80 published series were examined for associations between patient characteristics and outcomes.

RESULTS

Response rates were highest in trials utilizing interleukin-2 combinations. Longer median survivals were associated with high percentages of patients with nephrectomy, good performance status, with publication year, response rates, and inversely with median ages. Associations of performance status and prior nephrectomy with response rates were detected in trials with individual patient details. The response rate was higher for patients older than the median age of patients entering each trial, and also higher for males. Among responders, attainment of complete response was associated with fewer sites of involvement. Pooled response duration of patients reported to have complete responses exhibited durability, but no correlation with prognostic factors. Selection factors may have influenced apparent differences between types of regimens. We confirm the potential for durable remissions from interleukin-2-based regimens.