Interleukins in the treatment of mycosis fungoides.

Mycosis fungoides is typified by a cutaneous infiltrate of CD4+ lymphocytes with a Th2 phenotype. As the disease advances, there is increased expression of Th2 cytokines. This results in a subsequent suppression of Th1 cytokines and impaired cell mediated cytotoxic host response to the lymphoma cells. Disarming this cell mediate cytotoxic immune response creates a relentless cycle of disease progression. A cell mediated cytotoxic immune response can be stimulated with the use of Th1 cytokines such as IL-2 and IL-12. In this report, the Authors review the rational for the use of these particular cytokines in the treatment of mycosis fungoides. Further they comment on the experience and success regarding these two agents in phase I and II trials for the treatment of mycosis fungoides. Lastly, they discuss other potential cytokine therapies which could play a role in the future treatment of mycosis fungoides.