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, wherein the cancer is breast cancer.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein there is a tumor response.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein a tumor response is measured as complete response, partial response or reduction in time to progression.  
     
     
         4 . A method of treating cancer comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a fusion protein comprising a first IL-21 polypeptide comprising residues 32 to 162 of SEQ ID NO:2 and a second polypeptide, wherein the cancer is breast cancer.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein there is a tumor response.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein a tumor response is measured as complete response, partial response or reduction in time to progression.  
     
     
         7 . A method of tumor vaccination comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an IL-21 polypeptide comprising residues 32 (Gln) to 162 (Ser) of SEQ ID NO:2 in combination with a tumor antigen protein or tumor antigen peptide from breast cancer.