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Horm Metab Res 1992; 24(9): 434-438
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1003353
Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Acute Thyroid Dysfunction (Thyroiditis) after Therapy with Interleukin-2

Rena Vassilopoulou-Sellin1 , A. Sella2 , F. H. Dexeus2 , R. L. Theriault3 , D. A. Pololoff4
  • 1Section of Endocrinology, Division of Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, U. S. A.
  • 2Section of Genitourinary Oncology, Division of Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, U. S. A.
  • 3Section of Medical Breast, Division of Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, U. S. A.
  • 4The Department of Nuclear Medicine, Division of Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, U. S. A.
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Publication History

1991

1991

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is frequently incorporated in antineoplastic therapy: While the effect of interferon on the thyroid has been extensively studied the impact of other cytokines on thyroid function is less well understood. We monitored the thyroid function in six patients who received IL-2 in combination with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) or α-Interferon (αIFN). Hyperthyroxinemia with suppressed TSH developed within the first four weeks of IL-2 administration; during this phase, there was no technitium or iodine uptake by the thyroid gland. During the following few weeks, serum thyroxine decreased and serum TSH rose, consistent with the development of primary hypothyroidism; during this phase, thyroidal isotope incorporation was normal. All hypothyroid patients received thyroxine replacement therapy upon documentation of hypothyroidism; in several cases thyroxine was successfully discontinued after 2-3 months. None of the patients had detectable antithyroidal antibodies and none experienced thyroid-related pain, although two patients developed thyroid enlargement.

We conclude that IL-2 administration is associated with the development of transient, subacute, painless thyroiditis. The frequency and severity of this complication requires further elucidation through systematic, prospective study.

Key words

Interleukin-2 - Immunotherapy - Thyroiditis - Hormone Effects - Cancer - Thyroid Dysfunction

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