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My Treatments
What is IL-2?
IL-2 is a man-made version of a protein
produced by the body to fight off infection. The protein, called
Interleukin-2, boosts the production of several immune system cells
including ones that attack and kill other cells. High doses of IL-2 are
given intravenously to help boost the body's immune system and to
potentially set the process in motion to kill cancer cells.
What is IL-2 Therapy and How Does It Work?
IL-2 is a
recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) for the treatment of metastatic
melanoma and metastatic kidney cancer. IL-2 therapy is a form of
immunotherapy that uses the body's natural immune system to fight
cancer.
IL-2 therapy is FDA-approved for the treatment of metastatic kidney
cancer and the first therapy approved for the treatment of metastatic
melanoma in over 20 years. Studies have demonstrated that IL-2 therapy
offers the possibility of a complete and long-lasting remission in these
diseases.
Your immune system is composed of various types of cells that kill and
remove foreign substances from the body. IL-2 activates specialized
defense cells called T cells and natural killer (NK) cells to attack and
destroy invading germs or diseases. IL-2 can also stimulate these cells to
attack and destroy cancerous tumors.
IL-2 therapy differs from other treatments for metastatic melanoma
cancer because it's an immunotherapy. Instead of directly inhibiting
cancer cells, it works to activate the body's immune system to kill
them.
My Side Effects Of IL-2 Therapy:
It is important to
understand that IL-2 is a complicated therapy that requires, at minimum, a
short hospital stay (the average of 5-7 days), and there is a risk for
side effects. The side effects I personally experienced where;
IL-2 TIP SHEET
A condition known as capillary leak syndrome (CLS). CLS results in
swelling caused by fluids leaking out of blood vessels into surrounding
tissues. CLS caused a drop in my blood pressure and decrease blood flow to
my body organs. High heart rate, chest pain, thrush in my mouth and
decreased mental alertness. I also experienced flu-like symptoms (fever,
chills, and muscle and joint pain), as well as fatigue, and skin
rash.
Additional
Information can be found Here
It sounds bad but over all I faired the treatment well and if you were
to ask me if I would do this treatment again…… you betcha!
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