TriangleHEALTH PROFESSIONAL · SOURCE READING
High-dose IL-2
Source: Melanoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 2, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
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The FDA approved IL-2 in 1998 because of durable complete responses in eight phase I and II studies. Phase III trials comparing high-dose IL-2 to other re-treatments, providing an assessment of relative impact on OS, have not been conducted.
Evidence (high-dose IL-2):
Based on a pooled analysis of 270 patients from eight single- and multi-institutional trials in 22 institutions conducted between 1985 and 1993, results included:
Based on a pooled analysis of 270 patients from eight single- and multi-institutional trials in 22 institutions conducted between 1985 and 1993, results included:
High-dose IL-2 demonstrated a complete response rate of 6% to 7%.[9]
Source links and citations
Based on a pooled analysis of 270 patients from eight single- and multi-institutional trials in 22 institutions conducted between 1985 and 1993, results included:
With a median follow-up time for surviving patients of at least 7 years, the median duration of complete responses was not reached but was at least 59 months.[10]
Source links and citations
Strategies to improve this therapy are an active area of investigation.
Publication references
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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice