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. 1995 Jan;40(1):37–47. doi: 10.1007/BF01517234

Treatment of low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with continuous infusion of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 in combination with the B-cell-specific monoclonal antibody CLB-CD19

L Tom Vlasveld 1,1, Annemarie Hekman 3, Florry A Vyth-Dreese 3, Cornelis J M Melief 3, Johan J Sein 3, Arie C Voordouw 3, Trees A M Dellemijn 3, Elaine M Rankin 3,✉
PMCID: PMC11037856  PMID: 7530170

Abstract

Seven patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with a combination of a murine monoclonal antibody directed against the B-cell-specific antigen CD19 (CLB-CD10), given twice weekly, and continuous infusion of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2). We demonstrated stable serum CLB-CD19 levels throughout the 12 weeks of treatment, and homing of the antibody into the tumour sites. A variable degree of antigenic modulation was noted. Prolonged treatment resulted in a sustained increase in the number of natural killer cells in the circulation with enhanced cytotoxic capacity, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. During the first weeks of treatment, T cell activation occurred in the majority of patients. Toxicity was related to the rIL-2 treatment and consisted of transient constitutional symptoms and a flu-like syndrome without organ dysfunction. A partial remission occurred in one patient, and in another patient who was primarily leukaemic a greater than 50% reduction of circulating B cells was noted. An antitumour effect occurred early during treatment and could not be related to rIL-2-induced modulation of natural killer cell or T lymphocyte activation.

Key words: Interleukin-2, Anti-CD19 antibody, Monoclonal therapy

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