81 SUBCUTANEOUS INTERLEUKIN-4 FOR RELAPSED NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA: A PHASE II TRIAL IN THE NORTH CENTRAL CANCER TREATMENT GROUP, NCCTG 91-78-51. (1st March 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kurtz, D. M.; Tschetter, L. K.; Allred, J. B.; Geyer, S. M.; Kurtin, P. J.; Putnam, W. D.; Rowland, K. M.; Wiesenfeld, M.; Soori, G. S.; Tenglin, R. C.; Bernath, A. M.; Witzig, T. E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine. Volume 55:Number 2(2007)
• Page Start: S362
• Page End: S362
• Publication Date: 2007-03-01
• Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Medicine; Research -- United States; Clinical medicine; Medicine -- Research; Periodicals; 616.075
• DOI: 10.1136/jim-55-02-81
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1081-5589

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has in vitro antiproliferative activity against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). This phase II study was conducted to learn the efficacy and toxicity of IL-4 on patients with relapsing or resistant NHL. Patients and Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory indolent or aggressive NHL were eligible to receive either 2.5 or 5.0 μg/kg of subcutaneous IL-4 daily for 28 days of a 42-day cycle. Patients with a response and acceptable toxicity after two cycles were eligible to continue treatment for a total of six cycles followed by observation without maintenance. Results: Forty-one patients were enrolled and were assessable for toxicity; two patients were ineligible after histology review, leaving 39 patients for the analysis of tumor response. The median age was 65 years (range 34-79 years), and 56% were stage 4. The overall response rate was 13% (5 of 39), with one complete response and four partial responses. All five responders were in the 5.0 μg/kg group, the median time to progression in all patients was 84 days, and the median duration of response for the responders was 8.3 months (range 7.4-15.7 months). Edema was noted in 66% (27 of 41) and was the most common toxicity. Conclusions: Agents that target the IL-4 receptor can have therapeutic benefit in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL.