A Study to Test the Safety of Recombinant Interleukin-2 (rIL-2) in HIV-Infected Children
Aldesleukin
HIV Infections
See all eligibility criteria
Treatment Study
See protocol details
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and maximum tolerated dose (the highest dose that can be given safely) of recombinant Interleukin-2 (rIL-2) in HIV-infected children. This study also evaluates the effect of rIL-2 on the immune system of these patients. IL-2 is a substance naturally produced by the body's white blood cells that plays an important role in helping the body fight infection. HIV-infected patients do not produce enough IL-2, and it is hoped that the use of rIL-2 may improve immune system function in these patients. First, it is necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of this drug in HIV-infected children. According to study records, IL-2 has not been tested in HIV-infected children. Experience with IL-2 in pediatric populations is extremely limited. Pahwa et al. gave 30,000 units/kg daily IV to a child with severe combined immunodeficiency. This dose was well tolerated and the patient improved clinically as well as immunologically. Part A is necessary to determine the maximum tolerated dose of IL-2 in infected children. Part B will determine the efficacy of the maximum tolerated dose in infected children. Part A: Children will receive rIL-2 intravenously for 5 days every 8 weeks for 3 cycles. The study will enroll 4 patients in each of 3 dose levels. Dose escalation may occur if all 4 patients in a dose level tolerate therapy without evidence of Grade 3 (or higher) toxicity. If 1 of 4 subjects in any dose level experiences at least Grade 3 toxicity, 2 additional patients will be enrolled in that dose level. If 1 of these 2 additional patients experiences at least Grade 3 toxicity, dose escalation will not proceed. NOTE: Once Part A is completed and the maximum tolerated dose is established, children who participated in Part A and received less than the maximum tolerated dose will be offered additional therapy consisting of 3 cycles of rIL-2 at the maximum tolerated dose. Part B: Children will receive rIL-2 intravenously at the maximum tolerated dose established in part A. Treatment will be given for 5 days every 8 weeks for 3 cycles. \[AS PER AMENDMENT 6/4/98: Children will receive rIL-2 intravenously at the lowest dose for 5 days every 8 weeks for 6 cycles. Patients who received this dose in part A will also be offered this regimen.\]
Protocol
This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.In this clinical study, participants are placed into groups randomly, like flipping a coin. This ensures that the study is fair and unbiased, making the results more reliable. By assigning participants by chance, researchers can better compare treatments without external influences.
Other Ways to Assign Participants
Non-randomized allocation: Participants are assigned based on specific factors, such as their medical condition or a doctor's decision.
None (Single-arm trial): If the study has only one group, all participants receive the same treatment, and no allocation is needed.
Eligibility
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.Conditions
Criteria
