Interleukins (IL)
Interleukins (IL) are a group of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that play a crucial role in the immune system's response to infections and diseases, including cancer. Naturally produced in the body, interleukins help modulate immune functions and can also be synthesized in laboratories for therapeutic purposes. They are particularly significant in the treatment of various cancers, such as melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, where they can enhance the immune system's ability to identify and destroy tumor cells.
Interleukins can be administered through intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection and are often used in conjunction with chemotherapy to improve treatment outcomes. Notably, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-11 (IL-11) are among the most studied; IL-2 promotes the proliferation and activity of immune cells, while IL-11 is used to alleviate side effects of cancer treatments by boosting blood cell production.
Although interleukins can be effective, they may also lead to a range of side effects, including flu-like symptoms, changes in heart rate, and swelling. Less commonly, they might cause serious conditions like capillary leak syndrome. With ongoing clinical trials for several interleukins, their potential continues to be explored, offering hope for enhanced therapeutic strategies in oncology.
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Interleukins (IL)
ATC CODE: 103AC
DEFINITION: Interleukins are cytokines, or immune system hormones, produced naturally in the body. They are an important part of the body’s response to infection and disease and help the immune system fight cancer. They can also be made in the laboratory for use in therapeutic applications.
Cancers treated: Melanoma, renal cell cancer, cancer
Subclasses of this group: Biological response modifiers, immunostimulants, growth factors, colony-stimulating factors
Delivery routes: These drugs are administered through intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous injection.
How these drugs work: Interleukins and other biological response modifiers use the body’s immune defenses to enhance or restore immune function. Interleukins can directly target tumor cells, enhance the immune response to cancer cells, or reduce side effects from other cancer treatments. Interleukins can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Several interleukins are in various phases of clinical trial, but interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-11 (IL-11) have been the most widely studied and utilized. IL-2 stimulates the growth and activity of many immune cells, such as lymphocytes, which destroy tumor cells. IL-2 also directly interferes with cancer cell growth. A man-made IL-2 is used in kidney cancer and melanoma treatments.
Other interleukins, such as IL-11, function as support medications by reducing side effects that result from cancer treatment, such as low platelet count or low levels of other blood components. These interleukins, also called growth factors or colony-stimulating factors, stimulate bone marrow cells to divide and develop into white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells. Specifically, IL-11 stimulates the production of platelets to increase their numbers to normal levels and, thus, reduce the need for platelet transfusions. Other interleukins showing promise in cancer use include IL-7, IL-12, and IL-21.
Side effects: Side effects resulting from using interleukins vary widely depending on interleukin type, dosage, and the patient. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness, muscle and joint aches, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment can also increase heart rate, skin rash, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, anemia, and appetite loss. Swelling, primarily in the hands, feet, and ankles, can also occur. An uncommon side effect is capillary leak syndrome, which results in low blood pressure and poor blood flow.
Bibliography
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