Increased disease activity in a patient with sarcoidosis after high dose interleukin 2 treatment for metastatic renal cancer

Thorax. 2005 Jul;60(7):610-1. doi: 10.1136/thx.2004.024018.

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown aetiology in which cytokines such as interleukin 2 (IL-2) are thought to play an important role. We present the case history of a 48 year old man with sarcoidosis who received treatment with high dose IL-2 for metastatic renal cell cancer, following which he developed hypercalcaemia characterised by a raised level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)2-D3), a finding consistent with sarcoidosis associated hypercalcaemia. The increased activity in his sarcoidosis following IL-2 treatment provides direct supportive evidence for the role of IL-2 in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / administration & dosage
  • Interleukin-2 / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / chemically induced*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interleukin-2