Home » Drug Information » FDA-Approved Drugs » 1998
Medical Areas: Oncology
View By: Year Company Therapeutic Areas Drug Names
Drug Information
The following information is obtained from various newswires, published
medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
Company: Chiron
Approval Status: Approved January 1998
Treatment Area: Metastatic melanoma
Proleukin (aldesleukin) has been approved for treating adult
patients with metastatic melanoma.
In clinical trials of the drug, 16% of 270 patients responded to
the drug with half of the patients remaining alive for four years
after treatment. Proleukin produced a complete response in 6% of
the 270 patients. Approximately 60% of the 17 patients who achieved
a complete response have remained in remission for greater that
five years without further treatment.
Adverse events reported include capillary leak syndrome,
flu-like symptoms, and serious toxicities, including low blood
pressure, decreased kidney and lung function, respiratory distress,
cardiac abnormalities, changes in mental status and edema.
Proleukin is an injectable, recombinant form of
interleukin-2.
