Combined subcutaneous recombinant α-interferon and interleukin-2 in metastatic renal cell cancer: Results of the Multicentre All Ireland Immunotherapy Study Group

Objective: To analyse the toxicity and efficacy of combined interferon-α and interleukin-2, administered subcutaneously in a general multicentre setting, as treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Methods: Thirty-three patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma were scheduled to receive 2 cyclical doses of subcutaneous interferon-α (week 1:5 MU x 3 days) and interleukin-2 (week 2:36 MU x 2 days, 9 MU x 3 days; weeks 3-5: 9 MU daily). Karnofsky scores ranged from 80 to 100 (median 90). Metastases occurred in multiple organs (lung 63%, retroperitoneal 39%, liver 24%). Patients were categorised according to the risk of disease progression. Treatment toxicity, therapeutic response and actuarial survival were analysed. Results: All patients received recommended doses of treatment, but 6 received less than 2 cycles. Most were treated as outpatients, although hospitalisation was usual during the 1st week of a cycle. All complained of mild flu-like symptoms. Severe side effects developed in 13 patients (39%), and treatment was discontinued in 3 of these patients. No deaths occurred as a result of treatment. The overall median survival was 10 months. The overall actuarial survival rate at 3 years was 22%. On statistical analysis, actuarial survival rates were not influenced by either response to treatment or risk group category. Conclusion: Subcutaneously administered, combined interferon-α and interleukin-2 therapy achieves durable survival rates in a minority of patients with renal cell carcinoma. Toxicity is remedial, and not fatal, when subcutaneous therapy is administered by multiple medical disciplines at a variety of centres. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.