Proleukin.  Aldesleukin for Injection




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What is PROLEUKIN Therapy and How Does It Work?

PROLEUKIN® (aldesleukin) for injection is a recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) for treatment in adults with metastatic melanoma and metastatic kidney cancer. PROLEUKIN therapy is a form of immunotherapy that uses the body's natural immune system to fight cancer.

PROLEUKIN therapy is FDA-approved for the treatment of metastatic kidney cancer and the first therapy approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in over 20 years. Studies have demonstrated that PROLEUKIN therapy offers the possibility of a complete and long-lasting response in these diseases.

In Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Overall response rate (out of 255 patients) = 15% (7% complete, 8% partial). Median duration of compete response (CR*) 6.7+ years (range 7 months – 10+ years).

In Metastatic Melanoma: Overall response rate (out of 270 patients) = 16% (6% complete, 10% partial). Median duration of complete response (CR*) 4.9= years (range 3 months – 10+ years).

What is Interleukin-2?

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a protein that occurs naturally in your body and plays an important role in activating your immune system. The immune system protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by responding to and resisting diseases. PROLEUKIN therapy is a genetically engineered or recombinant version of IL-2. PROLEUKIN therapy possesses the same properties as naturally occurring IL-2 and helps activate the immune system to recognize and eliminate certain kinds of cancer cells.

How Proleukin works to attack cancer cells

Your immune system is composed of various types of cells that kill and remove foreign substances from the body. IL-2 activates specialized defense cells called T cells and natural killer (NK) cells to help attack and destroy invading germs or diseases. IL-2 can also stimulate these cells to attack and destroy cancerous tumors.

PROLEUKIN therapy differs from other treatments for metastatic melanoma and metastatic kidney cancer because it's an immunotherapy. Instead of directly inhibiting cancer cells, it works to activate the body's immune system to help kill them.



PROLEUKIN Learning Center


PROLEUKIN® Learning Center
Explore the possibilities. To learn more about PROLEUKIN therapy and see if PROLEUKIN therapy is the appropriate treatment for your metastatic melanoma or metastatic kidney cancer, visit the PROLEUKIN Learning Center.



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Treatment Center Regions

“Everyone with metastatic melanoma or metastatic renal cell carcinoma should find out if they are a candidate for PROLEUKIN therapy.”
Dr. Lee Riley, Medical Director, St. Luke’s Cancer Center, Bethlehem, PA.

Click here to find a PROLEUKIN treatment center nearest to your home.




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PROLEUKIN® (aldesleukin) is indicated for the treatment of adults with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma.

Important Safety Information

Therapy with PROLEUKIN® (aldesleukin) for injection should be restricted to patients with normal cardiac and pulmonary functions as defined by thallium stress testing and formal pulmonary function testing. Extreme caution should be used in patients with a normal thallium stress test and a normal pulmonary function test who have a history of cardiac or pulmonary disease.

PROLEUKIN® should be administered in a hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer agents. An intensive care facility and specialists skilled in cardiopulmonary or intensive care medicine must be available.

PROLEUKIN® administration has been associated with capillary leak syndrome (CLS) which is characterized by a loss of vascular tone, and extravasation of plasma proteins and fluid into the extravascular space. CLS results in hypotension and reduced organ perfusion which may be severe and can result in death. CLS may be associated with cardiac arrhythmias (supraventricular and ventricular), angina, myocardial infarction, respiratory insufficiency requiring intubation, gastrointestinal bleeding or infarction, renal insufficiency, edema, and mental status changes.

PROLEUKIN® treatment is associated with impaired neutrophil function (reduced chemotaxis) and with an increased risk of disseminated infection, including sepsis and bacterial endocarditis. Consequently, preexisting bacterial infections should be adequately treated prior to initiation of PROLEUKIN® therapy. Patients with indwelling central lines are particularly at risk for infection with gram positive microorganisms. Antibiotic prophylaxis with oxacillin, nafcillin, ciprofloxacin, or vancomycin has been associated with a reduced incidence of staphylococcal infections.

PROLEUKIN® administration should be withheld in patients developing moderate to severe lethargy or somnolence; continued administration may result in coma.

Please see complete prescribing information, including box warning.

The content contained in this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice related to any topic discussed. Patients are urged to consult with their treating physicians or other professionals. Never disregard professional,medical or legal advice or delay seeking such advice because of something you have read on this website.


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