Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer and new and improved adjuvant therapies are needed. The confinement of disease to the peritoneal cavity has led to the therapeutic use of intraperitoneal (IP) infusion of biologic agents. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a T-cell growth factor important in anti-tumor immunity. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical efficacy of IP IL-2 in a phase II trial for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and to identify immune correlates of response and survival in 31 IL-2 treated patients. Peripheral blood T cells, collected throughout the treatment were phenotyped and cytokines measured by FACS. Sera and IP fluids were assayed by ELISA for IgE and IgG antibodies and by cytometric bead arrays for VEGF and eotaxin. We found significant associations between baseline IFNγ-secreting CD8 T cells and survival (p=0.04) and between number change during treatment of circulating T cells and survival (p=0.05). Peripheral blood eosinophils were markedly increased at the end of treatment (p&lt;0.0001) and associated with increased eotaxin (p=0.03). Although serum VEGF increased with treatment (p=0.025), measurements in the IP fluid suggest a decrease in local levels of VEGF (p=0.053). This study provides evidence for IP IL-2 in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and identifies several immune correlates of survival. NIH R21 CA74105-02S1, ACS, Chiron Therapeutics, Magee Health Foundation, PA Dept. of Health.</jats:p>