Is still there a role for IL-2 for solid tumors other than melanoma or renal cancer?

AIM: IL-2 is one of the first immunomodulating cytokines to be tested in the treatment of cancer patients. The effects of this agent in the treatment of solid tumors other than renal cancer and melanoma are poorly understood. MATERIALS & METHODS: We have carried out a meta-analysis of randomized studies. We fixed the response rate as the primary outcome. RESULTS: The pooled risk ratio for an objective response with IL-2 plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone was 1.43 (95% CI: 1.12-1.81; p = 0.004), in favor of colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: Further investigation in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer or other solid malignancies with IL-2 is required, alone or in combination with chemotherapy.