aldesleukin + pembrolizumab (University of Washington)

Aldesleukin + pembrolizumab is an investigational combination immunotherapy regimen being evaluated for the treatment of advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Aldesleukin is a recombinant form of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine that promotes the proliferation and activation of effector T cells and natural killer (NK) cells by binding to the IL-2 receptor. Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor on T cells, preventing its interaction with ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. By combining these agents, the therapy aims to provide a dual mechanism of immune activation: aldesleukin provides a direct proliferative signal to immune cells, while pembrolizumab removes inhibitory checkpoint signals that tumors use to evade immune detection. This synergistic approach is currently being studied in Phase I trials led by the University of Washington to establish safety and optimal dosing in patients with advanced kidney cancer.

Brand names

ProleukinKeytruda

Other names

aldesleukin-University of Washington-renal cell carcinomaAldesleukin and Pembrolizumab Combination TherapyIL-2 and Pembrolizumab CombinationIL2 and Pembrolizumab CombinationIL 2 and Pembrolizumab Combination