Hypothyroidism and goiter in a patient during treatment with interleukin-2
Article Abstract:
Recently, there has been great interest in the treatment of cancer with substances that modulate the function of the immune system. The hope is that the body's natural defenses can be mobilized to destroy the cancerous tissue. One immune modulator that figures prominently in many such schemes is interleukin-2, which stimulates the function of killer T-cells. However, in the case of a 48-year-old woman treated for malignant melanoma, interleukin-2 seemed to be responsible for stimulating an attack on the patient's thyroid gland, initiating hypothyroidism (decreased secretion of the thyroid gland) and goiter. During the third course of treatment, the patient rapidly developed a goiter, enlarged thyroid gland. After termination of interleukin-2 therapy, the thyroid returned to normal within two weeks. It is suspected that the interleukin-2 exacerbated an underlying autoimmune thyroid disorder. When the patient's serum specimens were examined for antibodies against thyroid microsomes, some antithyroid antibodies were found when the patient began therapy, and the titer of these antibodies grew enormously when the interleukin-2 therapy began. These antibodies began to disappear when the treatment was halted. Both the woman's mother and sister were known to have some thyroid dysfunction. This case illustrates that interleukin-2 may stimulate some adverse immune effects, and that preexisting autoimmune antibodies may be an indication against the use of this therapy for some patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Cancer
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0008-543X
Year: 1990
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Technetium-99m labelled liposomes to image experimental arthritis
Article Abstract:
The use of liposomes stabilized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and labelled with technetium-99m seems to be ideal for obtaining diagnostic images of arthritis. The technetium-99m/PEG-liposomes are better taken into the inflamed joint and provide more contrast against the background because they circulate longer than other media. This was tested in rats using scintigraphic images. These properties may also make the PEG-liposomes useful for delivery of anti-rheumatic drugs to specific sites.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1997
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Clinical implication of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy among Japanese
Article Abstract:
A study of 19 patients was conducted to clarify the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of dermatopathic lymphaenopathy not associated with mycosis fungoides among Japanese. Systemic symptoms such as fever were recorded in 68% patients whereas 83% patients showed the symptoms of multicentric lymphadenopathy.
Publication Name: International Journal of Surgical Pathology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1066-8969
Year: 2004
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