We know that undergoing cancer treatment can be a daunting task. It's common for questions to come to mind when your doctor mentions a new drug. Today, we're going to talk about one such specific anti-cancer drug, Aldesleukin. It's also sometimes called IL-2. Let's take a look at what this drug is, what it does, and what you need to know about it when taking it.
What kind of medicine is Aldesleukin?
Simply put, Aldase is a cancer drug. But it's not like the chemotherapy drugs we usually hear about. It's actually an immunotherapy . That means that rather than directly killing cancer cells, it stimulates your own immune system and gives it the strength to fight cancer cells . It's like training the "soldiers" (immune cells) in our bodies and sending them into battle against the enemy called cancer.
This medicine (brand name: Proleukin) is mainly used for:
- For mild or advanced renal cell cancer .
- For advanced melanoma, a serious skin cancer.
In some cases, doctors may also recommend this medicine for other types of cancer.
The most important things to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before deciding whether this treatment is right for you, it is important to inform your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially:
- If you have any blood problems (e.g. blood clotting problems, anemia).
- If you constantly feel tired or fatigued .
- If you already have a fever or other infectious condition in the body.
- If you have any heart, lung, kidney or liver disease.
- If you have other immune system problems .
- If you have a mental illness (e.g. depression) or are taking medication for it.
- If you have previously had an organ transplant .
- If you have seizures .
- If you have stomach problems or digestive system diseases.
- If you have thyroid problems .
- If you have an allergic reaction to aldesleukin or any other medicine, food, or dye .
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother .
This information is very important for your safety, because it is based on this information that the doctor will decide on the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.
How will this medicine be given to you?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Aldase is given in a hospital or clinic, under the close supervision of doctors and nurses . It is usually given as an injection into a vein (intravenous or IV) . Sometimes it can also be given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection).
Since this treatment is given in a hospital, you don't have to worry about missing a dose or getting an overdose. The medical team will take great care of it.
If you think you have accidentally overdosed, inform a doctor or nurse immediately. In any emergency, you can go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) , and in case of a poisoning problem, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Be careful about other medications you take.
When taking aldesleukin, it is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. Some medications can interact with this treatment. So, you should take:
- Other anticancer drugs (e.g. doxorubicin, methotrexate)
- Antibiotics, especially aminoglycosides
- Medications for high blood pressure (e.g. beta blockers)
- Mental health medications (for depression, anxiety)
- Types of steroids (e.g. prednisone, cortisone)
- Painkillers, especially NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Sleeping pills
- Other immunosuppressive drugs such as interferon alfa
In addition to this list, don't forget to tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbal supplements you take, and if you smoke or drink alcohol .
Things to pay special attention to during treatment
- Continuous monitoring: You will be closely monitored by doctors and nurses throughout the entire duration of this treatment.
- Blood tests: You will need to have regular blood tests to monitor the progress of your treatment and detect side effects early.
- Protection from infections: This medicine may temporarily reduce the body's ability to fight diseases. Therefore, try to stay away from people who have illnesses such as fever and cold . If you develop a fever or infection while taking the medicine, do not self-medicate and inform your doctor immediately.
- Common discomforts: It is normal to feel a little uncomfortable or sick while taking this medicine. This is part of the treatment. However, inform your doctor about any new symptoms or problems you develop.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, aldesleukin can cause side effects. Some of these require immediate medical attention, while others are less serious.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor/nurse immediately | |
|---|---|
| Symptom | Description |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, wheezing sound coming from the chest. |
| Heart problems | Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Mental changes | Confusion, restlessness, anxiety, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations). |
| Kidney problems | Decreased urination, dark yellow or brown urine. |
| Liver problems | Yellowing of the eyes and skin. |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe dizziness, drowsiness, unusual bleeding or bruising, swelling of the body (especially the face and feet), extreme fatigue, vomiting, fever, chills, sore throat. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|---|---|
| Bloating (diarrhea) | Nausea |
| Drowsiness | Appetite |
| Mouth sores | Stomach pain |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor or nurse about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Aldesleukin/IL-2 is a special drug that helps fight cancer by stimulating your own body's immune system, rather than directly killing cancer cells.
- This treatment is given in a hospital, under medical supervision, so you don't have to worry about the dosage or keeping the medicine.
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbs).
- If you experience any serious side effects during treatment, such as fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe swelling, notify the medical staff immediately.
- This treatment can be challenging, but you are not alone. Your medical team is always ready to help you. Don't be afraid to talk to them about any questions or concerns.
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