COMBINED INTERLEUKIN-2 AND OKT3 THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF METASTATIC MELANOMA

Objective tumour responses have been documented in patients with malignant melanoma following therapy with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2). Recent attempts to reduce toxicity and retain therapeutic efficacy of rIL-2 have involved low-dose subcutaneous rIL-2 administration and the exploration of synergy with other agents. The anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody OKT3 (Cilag), is immunosuppressive when given at high doses. However, at low doses anti-CD3 mAb are vigorously immunostimulatory in vitro and have been associated with tumour regression in animal models. We have explored the immunomodulatory properties and toxicity of combining intravenous OKT3 with subcutaneous low-dose rIL-2 in a patient with malignant melanoma.