Klin Onkol 1996; 9(4): 109-114.
Summary:
Regional intrahepatic chemotherapy of non-resectable liver malignancies gives a better response rate when compared to poorly effective systemic chemotherapy. The aim of chemo-immunotherapy, i.e. an addition of cytokines, especially interleukin-2 (IL-2), should further improve therapeutic results in terms of overall survival. It is assumed that regionally administered IL-2 activates mainly the liver-associated lymphocytes, the effectors of specific phenotype with local anti-tumor capability. Though IL-2 alone is rather poorly effective in regional monotherapy, 50-70% of therapeutic responses have been reported for regimens combining IL-2 and cytotoxic drugs. A rationale for regional chemo-immunotherapy with IL-2 and current chemo-immunotherapy regimens, including the protocol of the Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, and some perspectives of this treatment are reviewed and discussed.
