IL-2 response to inquiry

[Guest guest]

I received IL-2, for one week out of every 2 months for almost 2

years. After stopping for 6 months my t-cells are at 90 I started at

75 2 years ago and my highest number during the treatment was 350.

My viral load is usually undetectable. The IL-2 was debilitating and

brutal. The costs have outweighed the benefits for me at this time.

Does anyone know about alternatives to increasing t-cells. There are

trials of a new IL-2 like drug which has fewer side effects but I

don't meet the trial criteria.

Thanks,

Tripp

[Guest guest]

IL2 used in that schedule sounds like Cliff Lane's peculiar brand of

torture. The dosage is WAY too high and thus the horrific side effects.

Also, if viral replication is not thoroughly controlled it can make things

worse.

Alternatively, Kendall has been looking at a much lower dose.

However, the drawback here is that it requires daily sub-q shots, which may

be difficult. But there are few or no side effects. Not sure if there are

any recent data regarding efficacy, but check out

http://www.kendallasmith.com/il2/. With undetectable viral load, you might

still give it a shot...er...so to speak.

M.

At 03:55 PM 12/16/2003 +0000, you wrote:

>I received IL-2, for one week out of every 2 months for almost 2

>years. After stopping for 6 months my t-cells are at 90 I started at

>75 2 years ago and my highest number during the treatment was 350.

>My viral load is usually undetectable. The IL-2 was debilitating and

>brutal. The costs have outweighed the benefits for me at this time.

>

>Does anyone know about alternatives to increasing t-cells. There are

>trials of a new IL-2 like drug which has fewer side effects but I

>don't meet the trial criteria.