Aldesleukin
Also known as: Aldesleukin, des-alanyl-1, serine-125 IL-2, IL-2, Interleukin-2, Proleukin, recombinant IL‑2, rIL‑2, T-cell growth factor
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Summary
Aldesleukin is a recombinant form of human interleukin‑2 used as an immunotherapy to stimulate the immune system against metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma.
Mechanism of Action
Binds the high‑affinity IL‑2 receptor (CD25/CD122/CD132) on activated T‑cells and NK cells, promoting proliferation, activation and cytotoxic activity; enhances production of cytokines such as IFN‑γ.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Metastatic melanomaOncologyHigh
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma treatmentOncologyHigh
- Immune reconstitution in HIVInfectious DiseaseModerate
- Combination immunotherapy potentiationOncologyModerate
- Metastatic melanoma treatmentOncologyHigh
- Regulatory T-cell expansion (low-dose)Autoimmunity / ResearchLow
- Adjuvant immunotherapy for solid tumoursOncologyModerate
- Metastatic renal cell carcinomaOncologyHigh
Contraindications
- Severe cardiovascular disease (unstable angina, recent MI)CardiovascularModerate
- Organ allografts requiring immunosuppressionTransplantationHigh
- Hypersensitivity to aldesleukin or any excipientAllergyHigh
- Organ transplant recipientsImmunologyHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to aldesleukin or any componentAllergyHigh
- Prior severe toxicity on previous IL-2 coursePrior Treatment HistoryHigh
- Serious infections or sepsisInfectious DiseaseHigh
- Active autoimmune diseaseAutoimmunityHigh
- Abnormal thallium stress test or pulmonary function testsCardiovascular/PulmonaryHigh
Adverse Effects
- Oliguria / renal impairmentRenalCommon
- Capillary leak syndromeVascularCommonLeakage of fluid from blood vessels into tissues
- HypotensionCardiovascularCommonLow blood pressure
- Nausea/vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
- Fever and chillsConstitutionalCommon
- Neuropsychiatric effects (confusion, somnolence)NeurologicalCommon
- Pulmonary edemaRespiratoryUncommon
- Rash or pruritusDermatologicCommon
- Thrombocytopenia and anemiaHematologicCommon
Drug Interactions
- Nephrotoxic agents (e.g., aminoglycosides, NSAIDs)High
- CorticosteroidsModerate
- Cardiotoxic agents (e.g., doxorubicin)High
- Other cytokine therapies (e.g., interferon‑α)Moderate
- ACE inhibitorsLow
- AntihypertensivesHighMay potentiate hypotensive effects in some contexts
- Interferon-alphaModerate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyAbsolute
- Patients with CNS metastasesDisease RelatedRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients with hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
- Elderly patients (≥65 years)Age RelatedRelative
- BreastfeedingReproductiveAbsolute
- Pediatric useAgeRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: metastatic renal cell carcinoma, metastatic melanomaEMA approval; similar monitoring requirements.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: metastatic renal cell carcinoma, metastatic melanomaFDA‑approved; administered under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: metastatic renal cell carcinoma, metastatic melanomaMHRA approved; used in specialist oncology centres.
Approved by FDA (2006) for metastatic RCC and melanoma; also holds EMA approval. Administered under strict monitoring due to risk of capillary leak syndrome.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aldesleukin?
Aldesleukin is a recombinant form of human interleukin‑2 used as an immunotherapy to stimulate the immune system against metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma.
What is Aldesleukin used for?
Aldesleukin is educationally associated with: Metastatic melanoma, Metastatic renal cell carcinoma treatment, Immune reconstitution in HIV, Combination immunotherapy potentiation, Metastatic melanoma treatment, Regulatory T-cell expansion (low-dose), Adjuvant immunotherapy for solid tumours, Metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Aldesleukin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Aldesleukin?
Reported adverse effects include: Oliguria / renal impairment, Capillary leak syndrome, Hypotension, Nausea/vomiting, Fever and chills, Neuropsychiatric effects (confusion, somnolence), Pulmonary edema, Rash or pruritus, Thrombocytopenia and anemia. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Aldesleukin?
Recorded contraindications: Severe cardiovascular disease (unstable angina, recent MI), Organ allografts requiring immunosuppression, Hypersensitivity to aldesleukin or any excipient, Organ transplant recipients, Known hypersensitivity to aldesleukin or any component, Prior severe toxicity on previous IL-2 course, Serious infections or sepsis, Active autoimmune disease, Abnormal thallium stress test or pulmonary function tests. Consult a qualified clinician before use.