Never-Before-Seen Results with Intralesional IL-2 Treatment for Cutaneous Metastatic Melanoma

Patients with cutaneous melanoma metastases responded favorably to combination treatment with intralesional interleukin 2 (IL-2) and topical imiquimod and a retinoid cream.

According to a case series recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vivian Y. Shi, MD, University of California in David, and her colleagues evaluated the efficacy of intralesional IL-2 and topical imiquimod and a retinoid cream (usually 0.1% tazarotene) combination in 11 patients afflicted with cutaneous metastatic melanoma.

The study results indicated there was 100% complete local response rate with long-term follow-up — mean 24 months – for all 11 patient participants.

Using biopsy specimens of specific treated sites, the researchers confirmed there were no malignant cells.

The most frequently reported adverse event was rigors. The researchers noted the small cohort and lack of comparison group limited their research.

Shi and colleagues concluded, “Intralesional IL-2 administered concomitantly with topical imiquimod and a retinoid cream is a promising therapeutic option for managing cutaneous melanoma metastases. The regimen was well tolerated and should be considered as a reasonable alternative to surgical excision.”