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Interferon-induced cutaneous necrosis
D Sasseville1, W A Ghamdi, S A Khenaizan
1The Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|November 27, 1999
Summary
Interferon injections can cause skin inflammation and necrosis. This review discusses interferon alfa and beta-1b complications and prevention strategies for these biologic response modifiers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Recombinant DNA technology has increased interferon availability for medical use.
- Interferons are potent biologic response modifiers with known side effects.
- Subcutaneous administration of interferons can lead to local injection site reactions.
Observation:
- A case of cutaneous necrosis at interferon injection sites is presented.
- The patient was a 35-year-old male with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with high-dose interferon alfa.
- Literature on interferon-induced cutaneous necrosis was reviewed.
Findings:
- Cutaneous inflammation or necrosis at interferon injection sites is a recognized complication.
- While interferon beta-1b has been commonly implicated, interferon alfa is increasingly associated with this side effect.
- The mechanism may involve the proinflammatory effects of interferons or unmasking of a hypercoagulable state.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the risk of cutaneous necrosis with interferon therapy.
- Preventive strategies for injection site reactions should be considered.
- Further research into the mechanisms of interferon-induced skin toxicity is warranted.