[Interleukin immunotherapy of progression].

IL-2 is a lymphokine which as variety of in vivo immunomodulatory effects. The administration of IL-2 can mediate enhancement of cellular immune response, induction of lymphocyte proliferation and production of cytokines. The availability of large quantities of recombinant IL-2 has enabled investigator to examine its therapeutic potential, with of without lymphokine-activated killer cell, in the treatment of metastatic renal cancer. Several studies have documented the ability of IL-2 administration to cause durable tumor regression in a good percentage of patients. Otherwise there were a number of problems which had to be resolved. First, the high-dose bolus or low-dose continuous infusion? Indeed, administration by the intravenous or subcutaneous routes? Last but non least, what is the place of lymphokine-activated Killer cells? Toxicity of therapy is dose related and is mediated by a vascular capillary leak syndrome, lymphocytic infiltration and the release of cytokines secreted in response to IL-2 administration. The side effects are completely reversible upon cessation of therapy. The patients undoubtedly require much more careful monitoring than with standard oncological treatments but rapid recovery of the preexisting conditions before therapy suspension must certainly be stressed.