title: Rheumatoid arthritis exacerbation caused by exogenous interleukin-12.
abstract: Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a pleiotropic cytokine with proinflammatory, immunoregulatory, antitumor, and antimetastatic properties. It plays a crucial role in the development of the Th1 response and subsequent interferon-gamma production and enhancement of cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Recently, IL-12 has been used as an experimental therapy for cancer. Given the multiple immunomodulatory properties of IL-12, there are potential concerns associated with its clinical use. Of special interest are the possible side effects of IL-12 therapy in patients with autoimmune diseases, especially those that are T cell mediated, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We present a case of severe RA exacerbation caused by treatment with IL-12 for metastatic cervical cancer. This is the first reported case of RA flare caused by exogenous IL-12.
authors.affiliation: Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York 10467, USA.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Peeva
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Fishman
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Goddard
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wadler
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barland
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary
chemical_list: D018664:Interleukin-12