(123)I-Interleukin-2 uptake in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck carcinoma.

Introduction: Information obtained on the IL-2 receptor status of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in patients suffering from squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SSCHN) before and after IL-2 treatment may lead to a better understanding of the immunological changes and related kinetics induced at the tumour level and ultimately to a strategy that allows selection of those patients that will benefit from IL-2 therapy. This study set out to assess the relationship between (123)I-IL2 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) findings and the presence of IL-2 receptors (CD25 staining) on tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes as well as on SCCHN tumour cells in patients suffering from SCCHN.

Materials And Methods: Seventeen consecutive patients (12 men; mean age, 57 years) highly suspected to suffer from SSCHN were prospectively included in the study.