Ibuprofen causes reduced toxic effects of interleukin 2 administration in patients with metastatic cancer
T. J. Eberlein, D. D. Schoof, H. R. Michie, A. F. Massaro, U. Burger, D. W. Wilmore and R. E. Wilson
Division of Surgical Oncology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Metastatic cancer was treated with interleukin 2 and lymphokine-activated
killer cells with the addition of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor ibuprofen in
an attempt to reduce side effects in 13 patients (eight male and five
female). Twenty-six patients treated with only interleukin 2 and
lymphokine-activated killer cells formed the control group. After
interleukin 2 administration, a significantly increased number of
lymphokine-activated killer cells were transfused in ibuprofen-treated
patients. Cytotoxic effects were not significantly different in the treated
and untreated groups. With regard to cell phenotype, both groups of
patients manifested significant activation of the immune system as measured
by T10 and OK1a. Symptom scores were dramatically reduced in patients
treated with ibuprofen. Temperature above 37 degrees C were rare. Ibuprofen
did not significantly alter rate of response in this immunotherapy trial
(38% vs 42%). Ibuprofen is now routinely used in all of our current
immunotherapy trials.
