Colonic perforation. An unusual complication of therapy with high-dose interleukin-2.
The majority (85%) of patients receiving high dose Interleukin-2 (IL-2) experience gastrointestinal side effects, namely nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In this article we describe four cancer patients that developed localized necrosis or perforation of the colon during IL-2 treatment. They represent 1.3% of patients (n = 315) or 0.9% of treatment courses (n = 452). All underwent surgical intervention and survived to leave the hospital. No common etiologic factor was apparent. Two patients were subsequently retreated with IL-2 without complication. Localized colonic necrosis or perforation is a rare complication associated with high dose IL-2 treatments. Aggressive surgical intervention is advocated and retreatment following recovery is safe.
Schwartzentruber
D
D
Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Lotze
M T
MT
Rosenberg
S A
SA
D000328:Adult; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D007376:Interleukin-2