Aldesleukin (Proleukin®)

What is aldesleukin? Back to top

Aldesleukin 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 cancer. It 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 Back to top

Aldesleukin is a colourless fluid.

How it is given Back to top

Aldesleukin is usually given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously).

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

How often it is given Back to top

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

Most people have aldesleukin as outpatients.

How aldesleukin works Back to top

Aldesleukin is given to stimulate the body’s immune system 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 Back to top

Each person’s reaction to any drug is different. Some people have very few side effects while others may experience more. The side effects described below will not affect everyone taking 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 here, please let your nurse or doctor know.

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

• Flu-like symptoms  These can occur quite soon after the drug has been given and make some people feel quite unwell. You may have aching joints or muscles, a high temperature, a lack of energy (lethargy) and chills. If you have these symptoms, it's important to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Paracetamol is often prescribed to help reduce these effects.
• Feeling sick (nausea) and occasionally being sick (vomiting) Your doctor can prescribe anti-sickness (antiemetic) drugs  to reduce or prevent these effects. If the sickness is not controlled, or if it continues, tell your doctor or nurse. There are other anti-sickness drugs that can be prescribed.
• Loss of appetite A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can give advice.
• Skin changes  Aldesleukin may cause your skin to darken or redden. It may become dry and itchy, and peel or blister. Your doctor can prescribe medicine and creams to help. If you already have a skin complaint such as psoriasis, aldesleukin may make it worse.
• Changes in mood or behaviour Let your doctor know if you feel anxious, agitated or confused.
• Tiredness  and a general feeling of weakness It's important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest if this happens. Balancing rest periods with gentle exercise such as walking may also help.
• Your kidneys may not work as well as usual Your doctors will check how well your kidneys are working with 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 don't pass enough.
• Fluid retention  You may put on weight and/or your face, ankles and legs may swell. This improves slowly once your treatment has finished. Sometimes drugs can be given to help to reduce the swelling.
• Anaemia (too few red blood cells)  Symptoms of anaemia include having no energy (lethargy) and feeling tired. 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 Back to top

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

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

References Back to top

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

• Sweetman et al. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. 36th edition. 2009. Pharmaceutical Press.

• British National Formulary. 58th edition. 2009. British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

For further references, please see the general bibliography| .