Methods of treating cancer using IL-21

Abstract

Methods for treating mammals with cancer using molecules that have an IL-21 functional activity are described. The molecules having IL-21 functional activities include polypeptides that have homology to the human IL-21 polypeptide sequence and proteins fused to a polypeptide with IL-21 functional activity. The molecules can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other known cancer therapeutics.

1 . A method of treating cancer comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an IL-21 polypeptide comprising residues 32 (Gln) to 162 (Ser) of SEQ ID NO:2 in combination with monoclonal antibody therapy, wherein the cancer is selected from the group of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a tumor response is measured as complete response, partial response, reduction in time to progression, prolonged survival or reduction of measurable disease.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the monoclonal antibody therapy is selected from the group consisting of RITUXAN™, MYOLTARG™, HERCEPTIN™, and ERBITUX™.