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Multiple sclerosis associated with interferon-alpha therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia
Itaru Kataoka1, Katsuji Shinagawa, Yoshihiko Shiro
1Department of Internal Medicine II, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558, Japan.
American Journal of Hematology
|July 12, 2002
Summary
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) can trigger multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. Cessation of IFN-alpha resolved MS, while its reintroduction worsened it, suggesting a shared immune mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm.
- Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is a cytokine used in CML treatment.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
Observation:
- A CML patient in chronic phase developed MS during IFN-alpha2b therapy.
- Neurological dysfunction emerged during treatment and resolved upon cessation.
- Reintroducing natural IFN-alpha exacerbated MS symptoms.
Findings:
- IFN-alpha induced both a hematologic response in CML and MS.
- MS symptoms correlated with IFN-alpha administration and type.
- Partial CML response persisted despite MS progression.
Implications:
- IFN-alpha may mediate anti-leukemic and autoimmune effects via shared immune pathways.
- This case highlights a potential link between IFN-alpha therapy and autoimmune disorders like MS.
- Further research into IFN-alpha's immunomodulatory effects is warranted.