JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Experience with the administration of high doses of interleukin 2 (IL-2) alone is described herein. Ten patients with a variety of malignant disorders unresponsive to conventional treatments were treated with at least 30,000 U/kg of IL-2 by bolus administration three times a day. Patients were treated intravenously or intraperitoneally from four to 21 days in a single course, usually interrupted by a week of recovery. ⋯ Progressive shrinkage of tumors for three to six months after the conclusion of therapy has been noted in two patients. Marked lymphocytic infiltrate was noted in a patient with lesions accessible to repeated biopsies. This study demonstrates that the administration of IL-2 can mediate the regression of established cancer in some patients.
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Eight cases of suicidal isoniazid overdose by Cambodian refugees are reviewed. In all patients generalized seizures and metabolic acidosis developed. ⋯ Psychiatric evaluation of each patient revealed usual and extraordinary life and social adjustment stresses. Indochinese immigrants are a subpopulation at risk for isoniazid overdose.