CITN11-02 interim trial results: subcutaneous administration of recombinant human IL-15 (rhil-15) is associated with robust expansion of peripheral blood CD56+ NK cells

Background IL-15 activates and induces the proliferation of CD8+ T cells and NK cells. The Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network (CITN) is conducting a Phase I, open-label, dose-escalation study of subcutaneous (SQ) rhIL-15 in advanced melanoma, renal cell, non-small cell lung and squamous cell head and neck carcinoma patients. The primary objective is to determine the maximum tolerated dose; secondary objectives include evaluation of immunological activity defined by increases in circulating lymphocytes.