Biological Treatment For Kidney Cancer

Biological Treatment For Kidney Cancer

Biological treatments work by encouraging the body’s immune system to attack the tumour. Immunotherapy drugs are types of biological treatments. These treatments are usually given as part of a research trial.

Interferon is a type of immunotherapy for cancer of the kidney. It is a substance normally produced by the body to fight viral infections such as flu, but has a number of effects on the immune system. Interferon can be produced in the laboratory.

The type of interferon used to treat cancer of the kidney is called interferon alpha-2a (Roferon-A®). It is usually given three times a week by injection under the skin (subcutaneously), using a very fine needle. The injections may be slightly uncomfortable. You, or your relatives, can be taught to give the injections at home, and you can use either a pen-injection device or a pre-filled syringe, which makes it easier to do this. A free, home nurse-support service is available to help new patients with their first few injections. The nurses can also give advice on managing any side effects that may occur. Your GP, practice nurse or district nurse can also help if necessary.

In the first week or two of treatment, interferon alpha often causes side effects similar to flu symptoms – especially chills, a high temperature, headaches, and aching in the back, joints and muscles. You may also have nausea, loss of appetite and tiredness. Although these are uncomfortable at the time, they tend to improve as the treatment continues.

Interferon has helped some patients with kidney cancer to live slightly longer. If your specialist at the hospital thinks that this treatment is appropriate for you, they may need to refer you to a hospital with expertise in prescribing this treatment.
Another biological treatment sometimes used for cancer of the kidney is aldesleukin (Proleukin®). This is an artificial version of a protein called interleukin-2 (IL-2) that occurs naturally in the body and stimulates a type of blood cell (lymphocytes) to fight infection.

Aldesleukin is either given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) or by drip into a vein (intravenously). It is usually only given in specialist cancer centres. The most common side effects of aldesleukin include a high temperature; headaches; nausea and vomiting; weight gain; low blood pressure; skin rashes and itching; loss of appetite; and diarrhoea. These side effects can be upsetting but are only temporary and will disappear when the treatment has finished. It is important to tell your doctor or nurse if your side effects are severe. They will be able to treat some of the side effects.

The true value of aldesleukin in treating cancer of the kidney is still being researched in clinical trials. If this treatment might be appropriate for you, your hospital specialist may be able to refer you to one of the hospitals carrying out trials.