Phase I trial of subcutaneous interleukin-6 in patients with advanced malignancies.

Abstract

A safely tolerated dose of daily subcutaneous IL-6 is 10 micrograms/kg, with hepatotoxicity and cardiac arrhythmia being the dose-limiting toxicities at 30 micrograms/kg. Phase II trials of IL-6 administered subcutaneously daily for at least 7 days for two cycles with an intervening week of rest are recommended for phase II trials. However, patients with extensive replacement of liver by tumor and abnormal liver functions should receive IL-6 therapy with caution.