Aldesleukin (Proleukin®)

What is aldesleukin?

Aldesleukin (pronounced al des loo kin) is a protein produced naturally in the body in very small amounts. It is produced by a type of white blood cell called a T-lymphocyte. It works as part of the body’s defence mechanism (immune system) in fighting illness. Aldesleukin can be made commercially as a drug and is used as a treatment for some types of cancer.

Aldesleukin can be used to treat a few different types of cancer. These include some kidney tumours and melanoma. It can be given on its own or in combination with other treatments.

Aldesleukin used to be known as interleukin-2 or IL2.

What it looks like

Aldesleukin is a white powder that forms a clear solution when dissolved in water.

How it is given

Aldesleukin is mainly given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously). Very occasionally it may be given by injection into a vein (intravenously).

As the amount of aldesleukin that occurs naturally in the body is very small, aldesleukin treatment greatly increases the amount in the body.

How often it is given

The length of the course of treatment, how often the injections are given and the dosage will vary according to the person’s general health and the type of cancer.

Most people have aldesleukin as outpatients.

How aldesleukin works

Aldesleukin is given to stimulate the body’s own defence mechanism to fight some types of cancer. The exact way in which it works is still not fully understood. However, it can stimulate white cells to recognise and destroy some cancer cells.

Possible side effects

Each person’s reaction to any drug is unique. Some people have very few side effects while others may experience more. The side effects described in this factsheet will not affect everyone having aldesleukin. We have outlined the most common side effects. However, we have not included those that are very rare, and therefore unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects that you think may be due to the drugs, but which are not listed in the factsheet, please let your nurse or doctor know.

The side effects of aldesleukin usually disappear once the treatment has finished and may include any of the following:

Flu-like symptoms  These can occur quite soon after you have had the drug, and some people feel quite unwell. You may have aching joints or muscles, a high temperature, a feeling of no energy (lethargy) and chills. If these symptoms do happen, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Paracetamol is often prescribed to help reduce these effects.

Nausea and occasional vomiting  There are now very effective anti-sickness drugs to reduce or prevent nausea and vomiting. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor or nurse.

Loss of appetite  A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can give advice about appetite loss.

Skin changes  Aldesleukin may cause red, or darker, dry, itching skin, which may peel or blister. Your doctor can prescribe medicine and creams to help. If you already have a skin complaint such as psoriasis, aldesleukin may worsen it.

Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness  People sometimes feel very tired. If this happens, it is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

Your kidneys may not work as well as usual  Your kidney function will be checked by a blood test before and during your course of treatment.

In some hospitals you will be asked to measure and record everything you drink and the amount of urine that you pass. You may be given medicine to help you pass urine if you do not pass enough.

Fluid retention  You may notice that you put on weight, and/or that your face, ankles and legs swell. This improves slowly once your treatment has finished. Sometimes drugs can be given to help to reduce the swelling.

Anaemia  Anaemia is a low number of red blood cells. Symptoms of anaemia include lethargy (a feeling of having no energy) and tiredness. If you feel very tired, tell your doctor or nurse.

Changes in the way your heart works and lowering of blood pressure  In some people, aldesleukin can affect how the heart works. The effect on the heart depends on the dose given. The hospital team will check your blood pressure regularly during treatment. It is important to tell your doctor if you feel dizzy, faint or have any chest pain.

Additional information

Some patients having aldesleukin treatment have to stay in hospital for close monitoring. This may be needed if treatment is given at higher doses than normal, when side effects may be more severe.

Some patients give their own injections at home. If this is the case, you must keep your aldesleukin in the refrigerator. 

References

This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:

• Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference (33rd edition). Sweetman et al. Pharmaceutical Press, 2002.
• British National Formulary (48th edition). British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, September 2004.

For further references, please see the general bibliography.