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What is IL-2?

IL-2 is a protein that is produced in very small amounts by leucocytes. With molecular biological techniques large quantities can be produced. IL-2 has many functions. Its main function is the stimulation of immune reactions (T lymphocytes, NK cells). IL-2 is also known to induce vascular leakage.

Mechanism of IL-2 therapy of cancer

IL-2 is used to treat cancer. Initially IL-2 was applied systemically; this leads to very limited therapeutic effects and high toxicity. In contrast, we have focused on local IL-2 treatment. Application of IL-2 at the site of the tumour causes hardly any toxicity and often leads to partial or complete tumour regression or even to cures. We focus on application of IL-2 therapy at the site of the tumour (local IL-2 therapy). Generally this leads to about 50-70% objective responses. Local IL-2 therapy is hardly toxic. We are studying the mechanism of tumour regression induced by local IL-2 application; both vascular leakage and immune stimulation seem to be involved. Histological studies show that local IL-2 application induces edema. This will cause reduced supply of nutrients and oxygen to the tumour cells. This increases necrosis. The dead cells will lead to an immune reaction, because cured mice and cured guinea pigs are specifically immune to the original tumour.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) Mechanism of IL-2 therapy of cancer Cancers sensitive to IL-2 Surgery and IL-2 Radiotherapy and IL-2 Chemotherapy and IL-2 Experts I want to co-operate (doctors) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Stichting ter bevordering van het onderzoek in de Experimentele Pathologie en in het bijzonder in de TumourImmunologie. Stichting EPTI, IJselstein, The Netherlands