title: Acute rhabdomyolysis as a complication of interferon treatment for stage IIIc melanoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Interferon alfa-2b is a treatment option for select patients with stage 3 melanoma.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To highlight the potential complication of acute rhabdomyolysis from interferon alfa-2b in this patient population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of a 63-year-old female with stage IIIc melanoma who developed acute rhabdomyolysis after completing 2 of 4 weeks of induction with high-dose interferon alfa-2b. She recovered after hydration with intravenous fluids and discontinuation of interferon alfa-2b.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Review of the literature revealed eight cases of reported rhabdomyolysis triggered by interferon use, including four cases of melanoma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In patients treated with interferon, especially at high doses, screening for creatine kinase and myoglobinuria should be performed if the patient develops symptoms suggestive of acute rhabdomyolysis.
authors.forename: Geneviève
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gavigan
authors.forename: Alana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McEvoy
authors.forename: Vince
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D013848:Thigh
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins