Interleukin
From Noblood
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Interleukins are a group of proteins that are secreted by white blood cells. The function of the immune system depends in a large part on interleukins. Interleukins stimulate the growth and activities of certain kinds of white blood cells.
Primary component of origin
White blood cells; although some are produced directly by stromal cells in the bone marrow.
Certain interleukins are now also being produced by recombinant gene technology.
Percent of component
Production
Extracted from sequestered (separated) blood, or synthesized by genetic engineering techniques.
Medicinal Value
Their clinical use has been largely in the treatment of cancers and inflammatory diseases.
Interleukin-11 is of special interest in the field of blood conservation. It is a blood cell growth factor that can stimulate the bone marrow to make platelets, thereby preventing or correcting chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in certain patients with cancer.
Risks
Side effects:
The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Interferon. The following are some of the most common adverse side effects:
Flu-like symptoms, low grade fever, runny nose, muscle pain, low white blood count, low platelet count, and anemia.
Pharmaceuticals, found in
interleukin-1. A type of biological response modifier that stimulates the immune system cells that fight disease, and is involved in inflammatory responses. There are two forms of IL-1; IL-1 alfa and IL-1 beta. Both forms of IL-1 are produced by the body and can also be made in the laboratory.
IL-1-alfa
Interleukin-1-alfa. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's response to infection and disease). IL-1-alfa stimulates the growth and action of immune system cells that fight disease. IL-1-alfa is normally produced by the body, but it can also be made in the laboratory. Also called IL-1-alpha.
IL-11
Interleukin-11. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that stimulates immune response and may reduce toxicity to the gastrointestinal system resulting from cancer therapy. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. Also called oprelvekin.
IL-12
Interleukin-12. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that enhances the ability of the immune system to kill tumor cells and may interfere with blood flow to the tumor. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases.
IL-2
Interleukin-2. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that enhances the ability of the immune system to kill tumor cells and may interfere with blood flow to the tumor. These substances are normally produced by the body. Aldesleukin is IL-2 that is made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases.
IL-3
Interleukin-3. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that enhances the immune system's ability to fight tumor cells. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases.
IL-4
Interleukin-4. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that enhances the immune system's ability to fight tumor cells. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases.
IL-6
Interleukin-6. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease). These substances are normally produced by the body, but they can also be made in the laboratory.
Alternatives
Recombinant or synthetic forms of certain Interleukins, which are not blood derived, are now available. For example:
- Oprelvekin (Brand name: Neumega) a recombinant Interleukin-11, can correct platelet deficiency.
Factoids
Interferon is one of the older chemotherapy drugs, having been in use for many years. There are three types of Interferon available: Interferon-alpha, Interferon-beta, Interferon-gamma
Interferons, when prepared for use, become a clear, colorless liquid which is given by intra-muscular injection beneath the skin. They are most commonly used in treatment of the following conditions:
Interferon-alpha: Hairy-cell Leukemia, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Kidney cancer, Melanoma, Low grade lymphomas, Multiple myeloma, Kaposi's Sarcoma
Interferon-beta: Multiple sclerosis
Interferon-gamma: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Kidney cancer
The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Interferon is normally given three times a week over a protracted period of time, depending upon the underlying condition.
Side effects
The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Interferon. The following are some of the most common adverse side effects:
Flu-like symptoms, low grade fever, runny nose, muscle pain, low white blood count, low platelet count, and anemia. It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to his/her medical oncologist.
