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Study: Interleukin 2 boosts immunity of AIDS patients
October 30, 1996
Web posted at: 8:10 p.m. EDTFrom Correspondent Jeff Levine
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Periodic injections of the natural protein interleukin 2 can boost the immune systems of AIDS patients, according to new findings by the National Institutes of Health.
Doses of interleukin 2 or IL-2 increased the number of crucial infection-fighting white blood cells in 60 patients with the virus. The report is published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine.
Despite the encouraging findings, doctors have yet to prove that the treatment actually helps people live longer or reduces the risk of AIDS complications. A study to investigate that is planned.
"This is not, in our minds, or in the minds of anyone, a permanent rebuilding of the immune system. It's trying to keep the immune system within the range of what we call normal, safe protection against other infections," Dr. Anthony Fauci said.
After one year, the IL-2 patients' helper T cells had doubled from 428 to 916 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. In a comparison group, levels fell from 406 to 349.
Interleukin 2 is a genetically modified version of interleukin, a body chemical that is a natural defense against disease. IL-2 also has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for kidney cancer.
The treatment can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year, and can also cause flu-like side effects, such as fatigue, headaches, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. But Jim Weigler, who has had the AIDS virus for nine years, says that's a small price to pay.
"I'm fine and I'm healthy, and it's just a nice feeling," Weigler said. His white blood cell count quadrupled after treatment with interleukin 2.
Doctors hope to improve the treatment process, making it possible to give patients lower doses of interleukin 2 to reduce the side effects and cost of the drug.
Related stories:
- Activists, doctors pursue AIDS cure together, for a change - October 25, 1996
- AIDS research progress may limit life insurance options - July 21, 1996
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