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What is Il-2
IL-2 is a type of natural protein, called a cytokine, produced by the body. It stimulates the white blood cells known as T-lymphocytes (T-cells) to grow and divide. T-cells are an important part of the body’s immune system. Giving IL-2 in highdoses stimulates the patient’s immune system to better recognize and destroy cancer cells. High-dose IL-2 is an FDA-approved, inpatient therapy to treat metastatic melanoma (advanced skin cancer) and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (advanced kidney cancer). Metastatic disease refers to cancers that have spread beyond the original site to additional tissues and organs.
What are the benefits of IL-2?
High-dose IL-2 has resulted in disease regression in 15% to 20% of patients with advanced melanoma and advanced kidney cancer. About 6% to 8% of these patients experience lasting or complete regression of all disease.
What happens when I arrive at the hospital?
IL-2 is an inpatient therapy. On your first day, you will check in on the second floor of the Hillman Cancer Center (5115 Centre Ave). Once admitted, you will have blood drawn for routine tests and introduce you to a nurse who will record your vital signs and conduct a brief medical interview. You will then receive your paperwork and be directed to the Admissions and Testing at the Shadyside Hospital (5200 Centre Ave). Upon arrival, the floor clerk will direct you to the waiting room to have a PICC line put in.The nurse will call your name and you follow him to insert your PICC line. The doctors will stop by to answer any questions and to discuss the placement of the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line. The PICC line is a small, flexible tube inserted into a vein in your arm and threaded upwards towards your heart. The line is usedto administer IL-2.Once the PICC line is put in, you will go back to Admissions and Testing to receive your room number. You then proceed to your room.
How is IL-2 given?
Once you are settled into your room, one of the nurses will also provide you with a small pouch to wear around your neck. This pouch contains a box that is connected by wires to adhesive patches on your chest. It enables the dedicated Telemetry Service to monitor your heart rate and rhythm at all times during your stay. You will then begin to receiveIL-2 therapy.
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