Phase I Trial of the Combination of Zidovudine and Recombinant Interleukin-2 in Patients With Persistent Generalized Lymphadenopathy

Inclusion Criteria

• Detectable HIV nucleic acid in patient peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBML's) by the gene amplification technique. A positive antibody to HIV confirmed by any federally licensed ELISA test kit.

Concurrent Medication:

Allowed:

• Medications without which there might be significant risk, such as seizures, loss of diabetic control or respiratory embarrassment.
• Necessary topical agents including topical acyclovir.
• Diuretics for significant fluid retention only.

Concurrent Treatment:

Allowed:

• Blood transfusions for anemia if hematocrit falls below 25 percent.

Exclusion Criteria

• Active drug or alcohol abuse.

Co-existing Condition:

Patients with the following will be excluded:

• Grade 1 impairment on two or more items in the ACTG Micro Neuro AIDS assessment.
• Concurrent neoplasms other than basal cell carcinoma of the skin or in situ carcinoma of the cervix.
• Major organ allograft.
• Significant cardiac disease or central nervous system lesions.
• Patients with hemophilia should be evaluated and treated under the hemophilia protocol.

Concurrent Medication:

Excluded:

• Inderal or vasoactive hypertensive medication.
• Non-essential medications including pain medications.

Excluded are:

• Patients with an opportunistic infection or malignancy fulfilling the definition of AIDS.

Patients with AIDS related complex, defined as:

• 1. Weight loss in excess of 15 lbs. or 10 percent of body weight noted in a 2-year period prior to entry into the study. 2. Temperature greater than 38.5 degrees C with or without night sweats, persisting for more than 14 consecutive days or more than 15 days in a 30-day interval during a 2-year period prior to entry into the study. 3. Diarrhea defined as = or > 3 liquid stools per day, persisting for more than 30 days during a 2-year period prior to entry into the study without a definable cause. 4. Herpes zoster during the past 2 years. 5. Oral candidiasis or biopsy-proven hairy leukoplakia during the last 2 years. 6. Active substance abuse.

Prior Medication:

Excluded:

• Zidovudine (AZT).
• Excluded within 30 days of study entry:
• Antiretroviral agents.
• Biologic response modifiers.
• Corticosteroids.
• Excluded within 60 days of study entry:
• Ribavirin.

History of severe allergic reactions to study medication Currently pregnant or breastfeeding Recent participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days Presence of uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect safety