Cognitive and Affective Symptoms Experienced by Cancer Patients Receiving High-Dose Intravenous Interleukin 2 Therapy: An Integrative Literature Review.

The review included only 9 manuscripts, and only 7 had empirical data, so the evidence base is small. Studies varied in design, sample size, setting and symptom measures, so direct comparisons are difficult. Affective symptom studies were small and underpowered, with sample sizes of 16 to 20 participants. Cognitive symptom studies often did not measure baseline symptoms, so it is unclear whether changes came from IL-2 or prior treatment. No study described the trajectory of cognitive symptoms or whether patients return to baseline after IL-2 therapy. No study quantified sleep insufficiency, although patients and families reported it as problematic.

Do not read these symptom reports as proof that IL-2 causes lasting cognitive decline or that nurse screening improves outcomes. The review did not establish treatment effects, and the included studies were heterogeneous and often small.