Aldesleukin

Aldesleukin goes by the trade name of Proleukin and is often referred to as Interleukin-2 or IL-2. It is used to treat cancers of renal cell i.e. kidney, skin cancer like melanoma.

How is this drug administered?

Most of the time Aldesleukin is given in a high dosage but then it can be given in low dosage form too. When administered in high dose it is given intravenously directly into the vein every 8 hours and this can go until 15 such doses. The side effects due to this are such that the patient needs to be hospitalized and may need to be put under ICU.

Low dosage of interleukin-2 is often administered to out-patients to decrease the side effects and this is also given in inject able form. This injection can be taken at home also depending upon the severity of the cancer.

Side effects

Side effects are reversible, but then again it depends upon the dosage of this drug where a need may arise to hospitalize the patient in case there is a high dosage of the medication. The common side effects are fever with chills, skin rashes, redness, nausea, vomiting, decrease in the blood count both the red and white blood cells which can lead to infections as well as anemia, loss of memory, irregular heartbeats, liver problems, water retention leading to swellings etc.

Some of the more serious side effects are congestion in the respiratory tract leading to breathing problems, mouth sores, loss of appetite, weight loss or gain, fatigue, skin reactions especially at the site of the injection.

Most serious side effect is the capillary leak syndrome where in there the fluid leaks into the outer tissues of the bloodstream which leads to low blood pressure and poor blood circulation. This can be due to two or more symptoms like low blood pressure, decrease in the level of protein in the blood swelling etc.

You need to bring it to the immediate notice of your doctor in case you feel dizziness with change in position, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, mood swings, insomnia, vomiting, difficulty in concentrating etc.

Certain Precautionary methods

Before you start off on aldesleuken you need to notify your doctor about all the medications you are presently on even the vitamin supplements and herbal medications. Certain side effects which come in late are reactions due to iodine contents while getting CT Scans, itching, rash, swelling etc need to be consulted upon.

You need to get your doctor’s approval before getting yourself vaccinated or immunized, inform about any impending pregnancy, avoid getting pregnant and avoid breast feeding.

Self help tips

Increase the water intake, use of soft toothbrush to prevent mouth sores, use warm or cold compresses at the site of injection to prevent swelling and relieve pain. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, use protective gear while out in the sun. Avoid alcohol; maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. Get your blood test done regularly to monitor the proper functioning of the internal organs.

Aldesleukin is a biological therapy which increases the efficiency of the immune system. It also help fight against cancer by destroying the tumor infiltrating cancer cells called lymphocytes.