Cellular and cytokine immunotherapy of cancer

The molecules: mechanisms of arterial vasodilatation observed in the splanchnic and systemic circulation in portal hypertension

A hyperdynamic splanchnic and systemic circulation is typical of cirrhotic patients and has been observed in all experimental forms of portal hypertension. The hyperdynamic circulation is most likely initiated by arterial vasodilatation, leading to central hypovolemia, sodium retention, and an increased intravascular volume. Arterial vasodilatation is regulated by a complex interplay of various vasodilator molecules and factors that influence the production of those vasodilator molecules. Nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as the most important vasodilator molecule that mediates the excessive arterial vasodilatation observed in portal hypertension. The aims of this review are (1) to categorize NO synthase isoforms involved in NO overproduction; (2) to explain the mechanisms of endothelial NO synthase up-regulation; and (3) to summarize other molecules involved in the arterial vasodilatation.

Immunotherapy in liver tumours: I. Combined administration of recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-alpha through the subcutaneous transposed spleen prolongs the half-life of IL-2 in vivo and enhances antitumor effects

Two modifications in this study, including the use of subcutaneous transposed spleen (STS) as a port for administration of recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), and the mixture of IL-2 and IFN-alpha with degradable starch microspheres (IIM), for the treatment of rat liver tumor are introduced. Group I is the control. Group II received the IIM schedule through the STS. Group III and group IV received IL-2 and IFN-alpha, diluted with normal saline and injected through the STS or a peripheral vein. The comparative studies indicated that the best result was seen in group II where the elevated concentration of IL-2 in portal blood and massive tumor necrosis with lysis were observed. Inhibitions of tumor growth of 33%, 20% and 13% in group II, III, and IV, respectively, were observed. We conclude that administration of the IIM schedule through the STS is an effective method for the treatment of liver tumor in rats.

Immunotherapy in liver tumors: II. Intratumoral injection with activated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, intrasplenic administration of recombinant interleukin-2 and interferon alpha causes tumor regression and lysis

This study tested the effect of intratumoral injection with activated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and simultaneous administration of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) and interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) (LII protocol), on mouse liver tumor. Group I (n = 10) served as the controls. Group II (n = 17) received rIL-2 + IFN-alpha schedule. Group III (n = 20) received the LII protocol. A total of 5 x 10(6) of TIL were injected into 4 sites of a tumor in a single treatment. rIL-2 (1 x 10(6) IU) on the first day and IFN-alpha (1 x 10(5) IU) on the second day were alternately given with a total of 10 treatment doses that were completed in 20 days. Tumor remission or regression rates of 29% and 40% were obtained in groups II and III, respectively, but no remission was obtained in the controls. A large number of TIL were also observed in the tumors treated with the LII protocol. Making comparisons between the control group and IL-2 + IFN-alpha schedule, and the control group and LII protocol, the ratios of cytolytic activity of TIL in vitro were 0:32 and 0:57, respectively. We conclude that the LII protocol appears to be more effective in the treatment of mouse liver tumor than the IL-2 + IFN-alpha schedule, and that it may be a new promise for the treatment of patients with liver malignancies.