Rapid exacerbation of scleroderma in a patient treated with interleukin 2 and lymphokine activated killer cells for renal cell carcinoma.
A patient with longstanding scleroderma with myositis was treated with interleukin 2 (IL-2) and lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells for locally metastatic renal cell carcinoma. A rapid progression of truncal skin thickening and muscle weakness occurred within weeks of the initial infusion. Studies using supernatants from peripheral T lymphocytes of patients with scleroderma have shown increased levels of IL-2, IL-2 receptor, IL-4 and B cell growth factors, indications of activation of immune mechanisms. The rapid progression of our patient's illness during immunotherapy suggests a primary role for IL-2 and LAK cells in this disorder. Patients with scleroderma who receive IL-2 and LAK cells should be monitored prospectively for exacerbation of their illness.
Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN.
D W
DW
Puett
H A
HA
Fuchs
D000328:Adult; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D015979:Killer Cells, Lymphokine-Activated / Q000276:immunology*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications*
D007376:Interleukin-2