Proleukin.  Aldesleukin for Injection




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Kidney Cancer Treatment

In its early stages (see Kidney Cancer Stages), kidney cancer is usually treated by a surgical procedure called nephrectomy, or removal of the kidney. Once kidney cancer enters stages III and IV, surgery becomes more complicated and additional medical treatment, such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or immunotherapy, may be necessary.

When considering treatment for advanced stage kidney cancer, specifically metastatic kidney cancer, it is extremely important to consider every option, including PROLEUKIN® (aldesleukin) for injection therapy. While surgery is the most common treatment for early disease, metastatic kidney cancer cannot be treated effectively by surgery alone and often requires the addition of drug therapy.

PROLEUKIN Therapy

PROLEUKIN is an immunotherapy agent that activates the body's own immune system to recognize and eliminate certain kinds of cancer cells. For some metastatic kidney cancer patients, complete and long-lasting responses have been observed. Results of clinical trials have shown that metastatic kidney cancer patients whose tumors completely disappeared during PROLEUKIN treatment remained cancer-free a median of 6.7 years (7%, 17/255 patients).

PROLEUKIN therapy may not be appropriate for all patients. Results also vary between patients. You can learn more about your eligibility for PROLEUKIN therapy by visiting Am I A Candidate For PROLEUKIN Therapy? and What Do I Need To Know About PROLEUKIN Therapy?

Other Options to Treat Your Metastatic Kidney Cancer

Always work with your doctor to discuss the therapeutic options available to treat your metastatic kidney cancer. In addition to PROLEUKIN therapy, you might also be offered an opportunity to participate in a clinical trial studying an experimental drug or a combination of older drugs not yet approved for use in treating metastatic kidney cancer. Each option should be considered carefully.



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.



Treatment Center Finder

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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