|
|
Aldesleukin
- Article from:
-
Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer
- Author:
- Calabrese, Diane M
|
Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2002 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Aldesleukin
Definition
Aldesleukin is interleukin, or specific kind of biological response modifier, that is used to treat metastatic renal cell carcinoma (a form of kidney cancer) and metastatic
melanoma
. Aldesleukin is also known as interleukin-2, IL-2 and the trademarked name Proleukin.
Purpose
When renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma (cancer of the skin that arises in the pigmented cells of the skin or eyes) do not respond to other therapies, they are candidates for treatment with aldesleukin.
Description
Aldesleukin is a biological response modifier (BMR). It promotes the development of T cells, or the cells in the lymphatic system that can fight cancer cells ...