Brand name: LYMPHIR®
LYMPHIR® is an IL-2–targeted immune therapy that works in two ways:
- by attaching to the IL-2 receptor found on the surface of cancer cells, allowing the drug to enter and kill the cancer cell; and
- by helping the immune system become more effective at killing cancer cells.
LYMPHIR® is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory Stage I–III cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic treatment (taken by mouth, injection, or intravenously).
LYMPHIR® is given as a 1-hour intravenous infusion on days 1 through 5 of a 21-day cycle. The dose is based on each patient’s body weight. Pre-medications are often given before the infusion to help prevent or lessen certain side effects. You will likely spend time at the infusion center both before and after treatment so your care team can prepare you for therapy and monitor you afterward.
Many, but not all, people treated with LYMPHIR® may experience a decrease in skin tumor burden and an improvement in itching. As with most CTCL treatments, responses can vary. Some patients may see significant benefit, some may see modest improvement, and others may not respond.
Any sudden increase in swelling of the hands or feet, weight gain, shortness of breath, changes in blood pressure, or dizziness when standing should be reported to your medical team. It is helpful to monitor your blood pressure and weight on days you are not receiving treatment.
Report any changes in vision to your doctor. If this occurs, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
Drink plenty of water (6–8 cups) the day before and the day of treatment. Eat a healthy diet with adequate protein to support albumin production, an important blood protein. If albumin levels are too low (less than 3.0 g/dL), your doctor may need to delay treatment until levels improve.
Be sure to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
With intravenous access, there is a risk of infection, bruising, or bleeding. If accessing veins is difficult, your doctor may recommend a central line or implanted port. While these can make treatment easier, they also increase infection risk. Talk with your care team about the benefits and risks if this becomes necessary.
The following is not a complete list of possible side effects. For full details, refer to the manufacturer’s information on LYMPHIR and speak with your treating physician.
Side effects vary from person to person. The most common side effects (occurring in 20% or more of patients in clinical trials) include increased liver enzymes, decreased albumin and hemoglobin, fatigue, nausea, swelling (edema), musculoskeletal pain, rash, chills, constipation, fever, and capillary leak syndrome (leakage of plasma from blood vessels into surrounding tissues).