Immunotherapy for Kidney Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Herpen C M L van, Jansen R L H, Kruit W H J, Hoekman K, Groenewegen G, Osanto S, Mulder P H M De
Primary Institution: Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Nijmegen
Hypothesis
Can the combination of interleukin-2, interferon-α, and 5-fluorouracil improve response rates in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma?
Conclusion
The study could not confirm the previously reported high response rate for the treatment combination in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Response rates of 7–26% have been achieved with immunotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
- A previous study reported a high response rate of 48% with the same treatment combination.
- The median duration of response was 8.3 months.
- Median survival for patients was 16.5 months.
- Grade 3/4 toxicity occurred in 55.8% of patients during the first treatment cycle.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a new treatment for kidney cancer, but it didn't work as well as they hoped.
Methodology
Patients received a combination of interleukin-2, interferon-α, and 5-fluorouracil over an 8-week treatment cycle.
Limitations
The study could not confirm the high response rates previously reported, and there were significant side effects.
Participant Demographics
All participants had undergone nephrectomy and had progressive metastatic disease.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.9–20.7%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website