Hypothyroidism and goiter in a patient during treatment with interleukin-2.

Mattijssen, V J; De Mulder, P H; Van Liessum, P A; Corstens, F H; Franks, C R; Wagener, D J · Cancer · 1990

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

The development of transient hypothyroidism and goiter in a patient with a metastasized malignant melanoma during treatment with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) and dacarbazine is reported. Signs of autoimmune thyroiditis became apparent 2 weeks after the start of treatment and disappeared after treatment stopped. It is likely that rIL-2 was responsible by interfering with preexisting autoimmune thyroid disease. The possible mechanisms are discussed here. Patients with positive antithyroid microsomal antibody titers are prime candidates for rIL-2-induced thyroiditis.

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