[Stimulating and protective effect of recombinant interleukin-1-beta (beta-leukin) on leukopoiesis in chemotherapy of malignant tumors].

Clinical studies were carried out in a group of 71 cancer patients to evaluate the effects of intravenous infusion of human recombinant interleukin-1-beta (betaleukin) (I and II phases). It was shown that daily single doses of 10-20 ng/kg body, for 5 days, markedly stimulated leukopoiesis (granulocytopoiesis) in toxic (grade II-IV) leukopenia which hampered combination chemotherapy. A protective effect on leukopoiesis (granulocy-topoiesis) was recorded in cases of moderate leukopenia when chemotherapy was continued. Such side-effects as stage I-III hyperthermia (13.5%) or their combination (50.0%) were effectively managed with paracetamol and antihistamines administration without causing suspension of the drug.