High-Dose Interleukin-2: Evaluation of a Standardized Order Set for Biotherapy in an Intensive Care Unit

Life-threatening toxicity may result from administration of high-dose (HD) interleukin-2 (IL-2). Patients receiving HD IL-2 treatment often experience severe adverse side effects, which result in the interruption of treatment. .A standardized order set (SOS) was developed for patients with melanoma or renal cell carcinoma receiving HD IL-2. The aims of the study were to determine compliance of clinicians to the SOS, report the completed doses and major side effects of HD IL-2, and document the satisfaction level of clinicians. .A retrospective chart review of 40 health records of patients with melanoma or renal cell carcinoma who were treated with HD IL-2 was conducted to determine compliance to the SOS. Staff satisfaction with the SOS was surveyed. .The SOS was successfully implemented with a provider compliance rate of 90%. Cardiovascular side effects were the most common. Clinicians found the SOS very satisfactory or superior in guiding care and treatment of side effects.