Aldesleukin (Aldesleukin)
Overview of Aldesleukin
Aldesleukin is an immunomodulator, and a parenteral antineoplastic agent developed through recombinant DNA technology. It belongs to a class of biological agents known as interleukins which are the molecular messengers by which leukocytes communicate with each other. Aldesleukin is indicated for treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma and is currently being studied for treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, HIV infection, and leprosy. It has also been used alone and in combination with antineoplastic agents for the palliative treatment of metastatic melanoma. It was FDA approved in May 1992. Aldesleukin is for use in specialist units only. Aldesleukin is usually given by SC injection and rarely by IV-infusion due to capillary leakage syndrome, which can cause pulmonary oedema and hypotension.
Indication of Aldesleukin
Aldesleukin is primarily indicated in conditions like Metastatic malignant melanoma, Metastatic renal carcinoma, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in AIDS, Leprosy.
Contraindication of Aldesleukin
Aldesleukin is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac disease,CNS metastasis,Hypersensitivity,Autoimmune disease,Serious infections.
Side Effects of Aldesleukin
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Aldesleukin, which give rise to further complications include Hypotension, Pulmonary embolism, Hypoxia, Liver dysfunction, Inflammatory arthritis, Hepatic ischemia.,Aldesleukin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Myocardial infarction, Renal failure, Cardiac dysrhythmias, Respiratory distress syndrome, Capillary leak syndrome. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Aldesleukin therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Aldesleukin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Fatigue, Nausea, Vomiting, Alopecia, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Fever, Peripheral edema, Rashes, Confusion, Erythema, Malaise, Nasal congestion, Hypokalemia, Hypovolemia, Hyperglycemia, Hypocalcemia.
Precautions of Aldesleukin
Because of the adverse reactions associated with aldesleukin therapy, patient selection requires a thorough clinical evaluation of each patient prior to initiation of therapy. Patients with CNS metastases may experience exacerbation of disease symptoms; thoroughly evaluate and treat prior to therapy. Patients with indwelling central lines should receive antibiotic prophylaxis effective against Staphylococcus aureus.The safety and efficacy of aldesleukin in children <18 years of age has not been established. The drug should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and lactation.