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Severe reversible global and regional ventricular dysfunction associated with high-dose interleukin-2 immunotherapy
J S Du Bois1, J E Udelson, M B Atkins
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
Journal of Immunotherapy with Emphasis on Tumor Immunology : Official Journal of the Society for Biological Therapy
|August 1, 1995
Summary
High-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) immunotherapy can cause severe, reversible cardiac issues like hypocontractility and left ventricular abnormalities in cancer patients. Physicians must recognize and manage these complex toxicities for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- High-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) immunotherapy is a cancer treatment associated with cardiac toxicity.
- Observed cardiac events include myocardial infarction, ischemia, and noninfectious myocarditis.
Observation:
- Two unique cases of severe, reversible cardiac abnormalities in IL-2 treated patients are presented.
- One patient experienced global myocardial hypocontractility, while the other developed regional left ventricular aneurysmal and dyskinetic changes.
Findings:
- These cardiac conditions, though severe, were reversible with no residual dysfunction in the patients.
- Both patients achieved long-term cancer remission without further cardiac events.
Implications:
- The findings highlight the complex and varied cardiac toxicities of IL-2 immunotherapy.
- Increased physician awareness and understanding of management strategies for these toxicities are crucial.