A Phase II Study of Rituxan and IL-2 in Patients With Low Grade or Follicular B-Cell Lymphoma

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the response rate in patients with low-grade, mantle cell, or follicular B-cell lymphoma treated with a combination of rituximab and low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2). II. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of IL-2 when given in conjunction with rituximab in this patient population. III. Assess whether antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is enhanced by in vivo exposure to IL-2 and whether ADCC activity correlates with clinical response in these patients. IV. Assess the incidence of antirituximab antibody formation in these patients.

OUTLINE: Patients receive interleukin-2 (IL-2) subcutaneously on days 1-5 and rituximab IV on day 3. Courses repeat weekly for up to 4 weeks in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients are followed weekly for 4 weeks and then every 3 months for 1 year.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 14-29 patients with low-grade/follicular lymphoma and 14-29 patients with mantle cell lymphoma will be accrued for this study within 2-5 years.