Denileukin Diftitox as Novel Targeted Therapy for Lymphoid Malignancies

Abstract

Denileukin diftitox (DAB₃₈₉IL-2; Ontak) is a cytotoxic fusion protein designed to target cells expressing the receptor for interleukin-2 (IL-2). It has been approved for treatment of patients with persistent or recurrent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) whose malignant cells express the CD25 component of the IL-2 receptor, but more recent data indicate activity in the setting of not only T-cell but also B-cell malignancies. This review will update the experience to date of denileukin diftitox in T- and B-cell malignancies.

Keywords:

• Denileukin diftitox
• IL-2 receptor
• B-cell lymphoma
• T-cell lymphoma
• CD25
• Targeted therapy