Drug reference

Aldesleukin

Immunosuppressant · Antineoplastic

Also known as Interleukin 2, IL-2, Proleukin

ImmunosuppressantAntineoplastic

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

Manufacturers recommend avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk (toxicity in animal studies). Effective contraception required during treatment.

FDA category + note

Top interactionssee all 12 →

AdalimumabSevereDatabaseDDInter
BaricitinibSevereDatabaseDDInter
BupropionSevereDatabaseDDInter
CertolizumabSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Aldesleukin is a recombinant human Interleukin-2 (IL-2). It acts as an immunostimulant to promote proliferation and differentiation of T-cells and natural killer cells, thereby enhancing the immune response against cancer cells. This mechanism leads to tumour shrinkage in a small proportion of patients.

Indications

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (specialist use only)metastatic renal cell cancermetastatic melanomametastatic RCC

Dosing

Adult: Consult product literature. Administered by subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life

α phase of about 13 min and a β phase of about 90 min

Metabolism

excreted in the urine as an inactive metabolite

Contraindications

Not licensed for use in patients with all three of the following prognostic factors: performance status of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group of 1 or greater, more than one organ with metastatic disease sites, and a period of less than 24 months between initial diagnosis of primary tumour and date of evaluation of treatment.
underlying heart disease
abnormal renal function
abnormal hepatic function
inadequate respiratory reserve (FEV1 ≤ 2 L)
abnormal exercise tolerance test

Side effects

Common

AcidosisAlopeciaAnaemiaAnxietyAppetite decreasedArrhythmiasArthralgiaAscitesAstheniaCardiovascular disordersChest painChillsCoagulation disordersConfusionConjunctivitisConstipationCoughCyanosisDehydrationDepressionDiarrheaDizzinessDrowsinessDyspepsiaDysphagiaDyspnoeaElectrolyte imbalanceEosinophiliaFeverGastrointestinal disordersHaemorrhageHallucinationHeadacheHeart failureHepatic disordersHyperbilirubinaemiaHyperglycaemiaHyperhidrosisHypertensionHypotensionHypothermiaHypothyroidismHypoxiamalaisenauseavomitingpruritic skin rash

Serious

Hypoglycaemia
Hyponatraemia
Hypotension
Influenza like illness
Myocardial infarction
Neutropenia
Pancreatitis
Parkinsonism
Proteinuria
Renal failure
Respiratory disorders
Seizure
Syncope
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Tachycardia
Thrombocytopenia
Transient ischaemic attack
capillary leak syndrome (hypotension, edema, respiratory difficulties, confusion, tachycardia, oliguric renal failure, electrolyte problems)
abnormal liver function tests
lymphopenia
eosinophilia
hypothyroidism
cardiac arrhythmias

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Manufacturers recommend avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk (toxicity in animal studies). Effective contraception required during treatment.

Lactation

Manufacturers advise avoid; no information available.