Aldesleukin

Aldesleukin

Aldesleukin is a human recombinant interleukin-2 derivative that’sused to treat metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Pharmacokinetics

After I.V. administration of aldesleukin, about 30% is absorbed into plasma and about 70% is absorbed rapidly by the liver, kidneys, and lungs. The drug is excreted primarily by the kidneys.

Pharmacodynamics

The exact antitumor mechanism of action of aldesleukin is un-known. The drug may stimulate an immunologic reaction against the tumor.

Pharmacotherapeutics

Aldesleukin is used to treat metastatic renal cell carcinoma. It may also be used in the treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma and metastatic melanoma.

Drug interactions

Aldesleukin will interact with other drugs.

§    Concomitant administration of aldesleukin and drugs with psy-chotropic properties (such as opioids, analgesics, antiemetics, sedatives, and tranquilizers) may produce additive CNS effects.

§    Glucocorticoids may reduce aldesleukin’s antitumor effects.

§    Antihypertensive drugs may potentiate aldesleukin’s hypoten-sive effects.

§    Concurrent therapy with drugs that are toxic to the kidneys (such as aminoglycosides), bone marrow (such as cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs), heart (such as doxorubicin), or liver (such as methotrexate or asparaginase) may increase toxicity to these organs. (See Adverse reactions to aldesleukin.)