Local immunotherapy of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme by intracerebral perfusion of interleukin-2 and LAK cells
Blancher, A.; Roubinet, F.; Grancher, A.S.; Tremoulet, M.; Bonaté, A.; Delisle, M.B.; Calot, J.P.; Pourreau, C.; Franks, C.; Ducos, J.
European Cytokine Network 4(5): 331-341
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 1148-5493 PMID: 8117934 Document Number: 417096
A non randomized pilot study has been undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of local immunotherapy (IT) of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme by continuous intracerebral perfusion of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2, Eurocetus) with and without lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells. At time of surgical removal of the tumor, a catheter was implanted in the cavity left by tumor debulking allowing continuous perfusion of rIL-2. Five patients received 18 times 10-6 IU/day of rIL-2 for five days. At days 1, 3, and 5 after surgery, r-IL-2 perfusion was briefly interrupted for the injection of LAK cells. Eight other patients received rIL-2 alone, either 24 times 10-6 IU/day (five patients) or 54 times 10-6 IU/day (three patients). Capillary leak syndrome, which is the main side effect of systemic infusion of rIL-2, was never observed, but local immunotherapy induced fever, confusion, and cerebral edema in all patients. Despite local IT, tumor progression was diagnosed by CT scan 4 to 12 weeks after the treatment.