 |
|
Research shows treating HIV-AIDS with interleukin-2 is ineffective
October 16, 2009A team of researchers at the MUHC/McGill and their international colleagues recommend halting all clinical trials on interleukin-2.
An international research team has demonstrated that treating HIV-AIDS with interleukin-2 (IL-2) is ineffective. As a result, the researchers recommend that clinical trials on this compound be stopped. Their finding was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in an article co-authored by 14 researchers, including Dr. Jean-Pierre Routy of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC).
IL-2 is currently used as a complement to highly active antiretroviral therapy (known as HAART), which is administered to patients with HIV-AIDS. Since HAART controls replication of viruses in the blood, doctors thought that IL-2 would help regenerate more CD4+ immune cells, which serve as an indicator of viral progression. It was thought that IL-2 increased the natural immunity of patients by helping immune cells mature and multiply.
"Our results show that IL-2 has no effect on the development of AIDS or on patient survival," says Dr. Routy. "More precisely, while the presence of IL-2 leads to a faster increase of CD4+ immune cells, these cells are less functional than the CD4+ cells that regenerate naturally in patients who do not receive IL-2. This means that IL-2 treatment provides no benefit and does not prevent AIDS-related infectious diseases."
"For the first time, a study has shed light on recurring questions concerning the value of biological markers and their limitations in assessing patient health," explains Dr. Routy. "Our challenge now will be to develop tests that assess the function of immune cells and not simply their quantity. This will ensure that HIV treatments indeed have a clinical benefit for patients."
This 8-year study involved over 5000 patients in 25 countries, and was one of the largest ever conducted on HIV-AIDS. "The fact that data from developing countries was used in biomedical research on innovative compounds is very revolutionary in the history of HIV-AIDS research," explains Dr. Routy.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Routy is a physician in the Division of Hematology and Immunodeficiency at the MUHC as well as a researcher in the Infection and Immunity Axis at the Research Institute of the MUHC. He is also an Associate Professor of Hematology at McGill University and a senior clinical researcher with the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ).
Funding
This study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Partners
This article was co-authored by Dr. D. Abrams, University of California, San Francisco; Dr. Y. Lévy, INSERM U955, Université Paris 12, et Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Henri-Mondor Albert-Chenevier, Dr. M.H. Losso, Hospital General de Agudos, Dr. J.M. Ramos Mejia, Buenos Aires; Dr. A. Babiker, Medical Research Council, London; Dr. G. Collins, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Dr. D. Cooper, National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Sydney; Dr. J. Darbyshire, Medical Research Council, London; Dr. S. Emery, National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Sydney; Dr. L. Fox, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda; Dr. F. Gordin, Washington Veterans Medical Center, Washington, DC; Dr. H.C. Lane, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda; Dr. J.D. Lundgren, Rigshospitalet & University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; Dr. R. Mitsuyasu, University of California, Los Angeles; Dr. J.D. Neaton, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Dr. A. Phillips, University College London Medical School, London; Dr. J.P Routy, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre; Dr. G. Tambussi, Fondazione San Raffaele del Monte Tabor, Milano; Dr. D. Wentworth, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and health-care hospital research centre. Located in Montreal, Quebec, the institute is the research arm of the MUHC, the university health center affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. The institute supports over 600 researchers, nearly 1200 graduate and post-doctoral students and operates more than 300 laboratories devoted to a broad spectrum of fundamental and clinical research. The Research Institute operates at the forefront of knowledge, innovation and technology and is inextricably linked to the clinical programs of the MUHC, ensuring that patients benefit directly from the latest research-based knowledge.
McGill University
"Our results show that IL-2 has no effect on the development of AIDS or on patient survival," says Dr. Routy. "More precisely, while the presence of IL-2 leads to a faster increase of CD4+ immune cells, these cells are less functional than the CD4+ cells that regenerate naturally in patients who do not receive IL-2. This means that IL-2 treatment provides no benefit and does not prevent AIDS-related infectious diseases."
"For the first time, a study has shed light on recurring questions concerning the value of biological markers and their limitations in assessing patient health," explains Dr. Routy. "Our challenge now will be to develop tests that assess the function of immune cells and not simply their quantity. This will ensure that HIV treatments indeed have a clinical benefit for patients."
This 8-year study involved over 5000 patients in 25 countries, and was one of the largest ever conducted on HIV-AIDS. "The fact that data from developing countries was used in biomedical research on innovative compounds is very revolutionary in the history of HIV-AIDS research," explains Dr. Routy.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Routy is a physician in the Division of Hematology and Immunodeficiency at the MUHC as well as a researcher in the Infection and Immunity Axis at the Research Institute of the MUHC. He is also an Associate Professor of Hematology at McGill University and a senior clinical researcher with the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ).
Funding
This study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Partners
This article was co-authored by Dr. D. Abrams, University of California, San Francisco; Dr. Y. Lévy, INSERM U955, Université Paris 12, et Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Henri-Mondor Albert-Chenevier, Dr. M.H. Losso, Hospital General de Agudos, Dr. J.M. Ramos Mejia, Buenos Aires; Dr. A. Babiker, Medical Research Council, London; Dr. G. Collins, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Dr. D. Cooper, National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Sydney; Dr. J. Darbyshire, Medical Research Council, London; Dr. S. Emery, National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Sydney; Dr. L. Fox, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda; Dr. F. Gordin, Washington Veterans Medical Center, Washington, DC; Dr. H.C. Lane, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda; Dr. J.D. Lundgren, Rigshospitalet & University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; Dr. R. Mitsuyasu, University of California, Los Angeles; Dr. J.D. Neaton, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Dr. A. Phillips, University College London Medical School, London; Dr. J.P Routy, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre; Dr. G. Tambussi, Fondazione San Raffaele del Monte Tabor, Milano; Dr. D. Wentworth, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and health-care hospital research centre. Located in Montreal, Quebec, the institute is the research arm of the MUHC, the university health center affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. The institute supports over 600 researchers, nearly 1200 graduate and post-doctoral students and operates more than 300 laboratories devoted to a broad spectrum of fundamental and clinical research. The Research Institute operates at the forefront of knowledge, innovation and technology and is inextricably linked to the clinical programs of the MUHC, ensuring that patients benefit directly from the latest research-based knowledge.
McGill University
Interleukin-2 Current Events and Interleukin-2 News RSSVaccine shows therapeutic promise against advanced melanoma
A vaccine for one of the most lethal cancers, advanced melanoma, has shown improved response rates and progression-free survival for patients when combined with the immunotherapy drug, Interleukin-2.
Major breakthrough in transplantation immunity
Australian scientists have made a discovery that may one day remove the need for a lifetime of toxic immunosuppressive drugs after organ transplants.
A worm-and-mouse tale: B cells deserve more respect
By studying how mice fight off infection by intestinal worms - a condition that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide - scientists have discovered that the immune system is more versatile than has long been thought.
IL-2 immunotherapy fails to benefit HIV-infected individuals already taking antiretrovirals
Providing a synthetic form of the immune system protein interleukin-2 (IL-2) to HIV-infected individuals already taking combination antiretroviral therapy boosts their numbers of CD4+ T cells, the key white blood cells destroyed by HIV, but fails to reduce their risk of HIV-associated opportunistic diseases or death compared with combination antiretroviral therapy alone.
Scripps research scientists enhance immune system attacks on cancer
In an Early Edition issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) published online on October 20, 2008, the scientists describe how they used multiple tactics to rev up both innate and adaptive immunity to enhance the body's ability to fight cancer.
USC researchers find new clues to risk of Hodgkin lymphoma
A long-term study of twins has led University of Southern California (USC) researchers to find potential links between Hodgkin lymphoma and levels of an immune response protein (interleukin-12).
Identification of genetic risk factor for coeliac disease promises improved treatment
An international research consortium investigating the genetic causes of intestinal inflammatory conditions has identified a new genetic risk factor for coeliac disease.
Preliminary study shows promise for treatment of renal cell cancer
A new study suggests that sunitinib is a promising agent for treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer, currently a disease without highly effective treatment options.
Hopes raised for effectiveness of multiple sclerosis drug
Discovery of the mechanism of a drug being tested for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has revealed that it's not only more effective than first thought, but might also help in the management of other autoimmune diseases, organ transplant rejection and even cancer.
New study shows antibody-interleukin complexes stimulate immune responses
The findings could also be significant for developing new ways to help patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or juvenile diabetes.
More Interleukin-2 Current Events and Interleukin-2 News Articles
 |
Therapeutic Applications of Interleukin-2 (Basic and Clinical Oncology) by Michael Atkins (Editor) Covering everything from basic science to disease-specific clinical trials, current applications and future directions, this book discusses the novel biological response modifier interleukin-2. This immunoactive therapy is designed for use in the treatment of metastatic renal cancer and, possibly, melanoma and other malignancies. Examining the value and toxic manifestations of different treatment regimens, this text: describes the biochemistry of the IL-2 receptor, the activation of natural killer cells and the lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell phenomenon; explicates tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and the effect of IL-2 on in vitro assays of immune function; emphasizes high-dose IL-2 therapy in renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma; reviews in detail IL-2 treatment of other... |
 |
Interleukin 2; For Anthony The Durutti Column (Primary Contributor) |
|
IL-2 (Interleukins) human recombinant () by BD Biosciences Size: 10,000 units(Page 954, 2); Description: IL-2, human recombinant | |
|
Pirfenidone Treatment Decreases Transforming Growth Factor- B1 and Matrix Proteins and Ameliorates Fibrosis in Chronic Cyclosporine Nephrotoxicity / Interleukin-2-mediated Survival and Proliferative Signals are Uncoupled in T Lymphocytes that Fail (American Journal of Transplantation, Volume 2, Issue 2, February 2002) by FS Shibab (Author) | |
|
Interleukin-2 and Killer Cells in Cancer by Eva Lotzova (Author) This is the first-and only-publication available which provides the most recent information in this particular field of biomedicine. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-2 activated killer cells have been shown to have a potential in the treatment of a variety of human malignant diseases. This work comprehensively summarizes basic aspects of IL-2 as well as its clinical application, therefore making all these aspects easily accessible to the readers. Because of the clinical significance of this molecule in the treatment of cancer, the basic and clinical investigations in the IL-2 field are rapidly expanding, together with the interest of the scientific and medical community. This book is an excellent educational and teaching tool for scientists, clinicians, and students. Those who already have... | |
|
The Biology and Clinical Applications of Interleukin-2 by Robert C. Rees (Editor) The molecular structure of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and that of its receptor subunits provide a basis for understanding lymphocyte activation by IL-2 and the generation of effector cells capable of mediating cytotoxicity towards tumors. This book provides an up-to-date account of IL-2, its effect on lymphocyte function, and clinical applications. Internationally know experts review the molecular aspects of cell signalling, giving insight on the in vivo pathways of activation likely to be important in determining clinical responses. They also examine the use of cytokines, particularly IL-2, in the treatment of cancer, and describe the results of recent clinical trials using IL-2, as well as of adoptive cell therapy. Providing a clear account of recent progress, the book also reviews the... | |
|
Interleukin 2: An entry from Thomson Gale's Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer, 2nd ed. by Ken Wells (Author) Students, researchers, and patients can find reliable, up-to-date and clearly written information in “The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer,” a comprehensive survey of 120 cancers, cancer drugs, traditional and alternative treatments and diagnostic procedures. | |
|
Histamine Plus IL-2 Prolongs Melanoma Survival.(interleukin-2)(Brief Article): An article from: Family Practice News by Elizabeth Mechcatie (Author) This digital document is an article from Family Practice News, published by International Medical News Group on September 15, 2000. The length of the article is 593 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser. Citation Details Title: Histamine Plus IL-2 Prolongs Melanoma Survival.(interleukin-2)(Brief Article) Author: Elizabeth Mechcatie Publication: Family Practice News (Magazine/Journal) Date: September 15, 2000 Publisher: International Medical News Group Volume: 30 Issue: 18 Page: 11 Article Type: Brief Article Distributed by Thomson... | |
|
Interleukin 2 by Kendall A. Smith (Editor) | |
 |
Between Bench and Bedside: Science, Healing, and Interleukin-2 in a Cancer Ward by Ilana Löwy (Author) In 1985 the media announced a new therapy for cancer. It was expensive, labor-intensive, and toxic--but, they said, it worked. How it worked is the story Ilana Löwy tells in Between Bench and Bedside, a compelling account of the clinical trials of interleukin-2 at a major French cancer hospital. Her book offers a remarkable insider's view of the culture of clinical experimentation in oncology--and of how this culture affects the development of new treatments for cancer. Löwy, a historian of science who trained as an immunologist, makes the life of the laboratory and the hospital comprehensible and immediate. Before immersing us in the clinical drama, she fills in the history behind the action--a background of chemotherapy and radiation, controlled clinical trials, and the... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |