Targeting pulmonary metastases of renal cell carcinoma by inhalation of Interleukin-2 (IL-2)

4662 Background: Pulmonary metastases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are associated with poor prognosis especially when the disease is rapidly progressing. The lung is a common site for metastases and respiratory failure is a common cause of death in patients with RCC. Inhalation therapy with IL-2 is thus an appealing method for palliation. This multi-center study summarizes the national experience with IL-2 inhalation in patients with lung metastases of RCC. Methods: All the patients had to have radiologically documented lung metastases, had to be able to comply with inhalation technique, and were not candidates for other treatment options. Treatment included 3 daily inhalations of 18 MU IL-2 by using a Salvia Lifetec Jetair inhalator. Treatment had to be continued until progression or complete response or life threatening toxicity or patient's refusal. Response was evaluated according to RECIST. Results: Forty patients (median 66.5 years), with histological or cytological diagnosis of RCC were enrolled. ...